Minutes of Public Meeting - August 13, 2025

DATE: August 13, 2025

TIME: 12:30 PM

PLACE: At Ocean Downs, Event Center and Virtual

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission” or “MRC”) met in person and by the Google Meets platform in open session at 12:30 p.m. at Ocean Downs Casino. Chairman George Mahoney took a roll call of the Commission members and confirmed that all were present either in person or virtually, except Commissioner Terry West. Chairman Mahoney thanked Bobbi Jones and her staff at Ocean Downs for hosting the Commission Meeting at Ocean Downs.

Approval of Minutes of June 11, 2025

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on June 11, 2025. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Wright made the motion. Commissioner Lillis seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Executive Director Report

Executive Director Christopher Merz started his report by telling the Commission he took a tour of After the Races aftercare facility on July 3rd. Mr. Merz said he was able to walk around the property and hear about the vision the facility had about expanding and helping more horses. At the time of the tour, there were 16 horses on the grounds. Mr. Merz noted that conversations centered around how the horse industry can bring more eyes on aftercare and help promote aftercare facilities. He said the facility takes about 82 days from intake of a horse to finding it a good home. At the time of the visit, 54 horses had gone through the facility for the year.

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission that for the first time ever, a Standardbred Racing Summit was held at Rosecroft Raceway on July 29th. Representatives from Delaware, Maryland and Virginia were on hand to discuss how the jurisdictions could work together and make the region stronger. Mr. Merz said among the things discussed were setting-up a series similar to the MATCH series the thoroughbreds had a few years ago, working on establishing a Mid-Atlantic Triple Crown and unified rules between the three states. Mr. Merz said he was in contact with Delaware’s and Virginia’s Executive Directors and was working on setting-up a time in September to work on rules.

Executive Director Merz continued his report by telling the Commission he participated in a horse industry leadership meeting on July 22nd at the Baltimore County Agricultural Center. He noted that this was the second meeting of its kind this year that brought together leaders of the Maryland Horse Industry. He told the Commission the discussion centered around working together and trying to think outside of the box to promote the horse industry at large.

Executive Director Merz concluded his report by thanking Maryland Racing Investigators, the Organization of Racetrack Investigators and Ocean Downs for helping with barn searches at Ocean Downs on August 5th and 6th. Mr. Merz informed the Commission that results from the search would be passed along to the Commission in the next few weeks.

Claiming Rule Change COMAR 09.10.01.07

Executive Director Merz brought to the Commission’s attention that a claiming rule change brought before the Commission in the May meeting had received proper approval from the Governor’s office. Mr. Merz reminded the Commission that the request was submitted by the Maryland Jockey Club with support of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. Mr. Merz explained that the rule aligns with the New York Race Association and is very similar to surrounding jurisdictions. In addition, the revised rule is more in line with how the condition book is written. Mr. Merz read the original language of the rule, followed by the new language of the rule for the Commission. The new rule would allow a claimed horse to run for 25% more of the claiming price for 20 days. Days 21-30 would allow the horse to run for the claiming price it was claimed for or higher. Starting on day 31, there were no restrictions on the claimed horse. Hearing no questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approval the new rule. Commissioner Lafferty made the motion. Commissioner Wright seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The Maryland Jockey Club Request for Laurel Fall Racing Dates

Executive Director Merz brought forward a request by The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) requesting racing dates from September 2 to December 31. Mr. Merz explained the request was for 52 live racing days with 68 days of simulcasting. He said racing would be conducted on a Friday-Sunday schedule, with post time at 12:10 PM. Hearing no questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the race days. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Lafferty seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Maryland State Fair Request for Race Dates

Executive Director Merz brought forward a request by The Maryland State Fair for live racing dates from August 22 to September 1. The request was for seven live racing days with three days of simulcasting. Mr. Merz said the request stated that racing will be conducted on a Friday-Sunday basis, with a post time of 12:10 PM. Hearing no questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the race days. Commissioner Earle made the motion. Commissioner Wright seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Rosecroft Raceway Request for Fall Race Dates

Executive Director Merz said he received a request from Rosecroft Raceway for racing dates from September 1 to December 31. Mr. Merz informed the Commission the request asked for 27 live racing days with 93 days of simulcast. Racing will be held on Monday and Thursdays, post time will be at 7:15 PM. One exception was Sunday, November 2nd, when the Potomac Pace will be run. Post time for that day will be 2:00 PM. Hearing no questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the race days. Commissioner Lafferty made the motion. Commissioner Earle seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Fair Hill Request for August 30 Race Date Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Executive Director Merz received a request from The Sport and Entertainment Corporation who is in partnership with the Cecil County Breeders Foundation requesting to have a race day with wagering on Saturday, August 30. Mr. Merz continued by saying there would be six races on the day with a 1:00 PM post time. Mr. Merz informed the Commission that wagering will only be allowed on site and not be broadcast outside of the state of Maryland. Mr. Merz said he and Chairman Mahoney had met with the Fair Hill team many times over the past several months to ensure the track met safety standards and protocols. He told the Commission that a final walkthrough was held on August 7th and all safety requirements were met.

Commissioner Lillis asked Delegate Hornberger about who was overseeing the operations of Fair Hill during racing. Delegate Hornberger said the Cecil County Breeders Foundation is the operator of the event and is responsible for compliance and safety measures.

Delegate Hornberger mentioned he was working with additional stakeholders to make the event better for next year and that he needed to work with other stakeholders regarding racing dates for the 2026 season.

Chairman Mahoney thanked Delegate Hornberger and his team for the hard worked they put in bringing racing back to Fair Hill. Chairman Mahoney asked if more partners would be looped in going forward. Delegate Hornberger said that the partnership with Sports Corp will continue and he is working on additional partnerships. He went on to thank the Department of Natural Resources for their help.

Hearing no further questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the race day and pari-mutuel wagering. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Wright seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Ocean Downs Update

Executive Director Merz called on Bobbi Jones for an update on Ocean Downs. Ms. Jones thanked the Commissioner for holding the meeting at Ocean Downs. Ms. Jones read from a prepared statement. The statement highlighted that there had been 471 races run, 3,294 starters, of those starters, 68% of them were Maryland Bred/Sired. They had two track records that were broken. On track handle was nearly flat, while off-track handle was down 18%. Ms. Jones went on to talk about promotions going on at the racetrack and showed the Commission and public two videos of their meet. The Commission thanked Ms. Jones for showing them the videos and congratulated her on their successful racing season.

The Maryland Jockey Club Update

Executive Director Merz called on Doug Illig to give the report. Mr. Illig advised that the TMJC was working closely with the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) on the demolition of Pimlico. He told the Commission that most of the barns had been knocked down. He mentioned that TMJC was gearing up and supporting racing at Timonium and they were excited for racing to start. Mr. Illig concluded his report by saying that the TMJC were ready for racing to start up again at Laurel Park and were looking forward to Maryland Million in October.

Equine Medical Director Report

Executive Director Merz read a prepared statement sent to him by Equine Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Daniel:

“In June, we had one racing fatality on the turf course. It initially appeared to be a heat stroke on a very hot day but ultimately was a fractured scapula (shoulder blade). We were so grateful for all the help we had from MJC employees and other trainers/grooms.

Also in June, there was one training fatality, a fractured humerus (just below the shoulder) In July, we had 2 training fatalities. One was a condylar fracture in multiple pieces with soft tissue damage. The other was a sudden death after returning to the barn.

I think it is important to note that the 2 training fatalities with fractures were 2 year olds that were only galloping and had not had their first published work yet. And the sudden death was a 2 year old who had just had her first published work that morning.

I don’t know what this means except that veterinary exams should probably be more often as these young horses are progressed in their training. Also, a good look at medical history is important. The horse’s medical history is now readily available in the HISA portal.”

Public Comment

April Smith from Friends of Pimlico read from a prepared statement: “I know that many, on this commission, want to be optimistic about the reworking of Pimlico. So do I even if it doesn't seem so. Because of that, I have never spoken to this group without someone following me with "so ending on a positive note" etc. I would like to remind everyone that if not for the less than positive comments by Friends of Pimlico, and others, we would be looking at a Sinai corporate village, on Northern Pkwy, now and not a racing venue on the verge of a rebirth. I will continue to play this Cassandra role because someone has to.

I recently reread a May article by Joe Clancy, writer for This is Horse Racing. After describing the irreplaceable atmosphere of Old Hilltop, and where this and that trainer stood to watch history, he says, "Pimlico. man. Here's hoping the plans, AND THE PEOPLE, do her justice.". It was greatly disappointing to me that our MD Historical Trust did little or no research into the sport of thoroughbred racing. As a result, they found nothing, except one stall and a reproduction cupola, worth saving. The MD Stadium Authority's equine advisors seemed to be AWOL with decisions regarding such race course staples as grooms housing, jockeys quarters, racing office placement or oasis like areas for workers, horses, and fans. Worst of all, the MSA let go of the one architect, Janet Marie Smith, who understood what was needed to make this a showstopper for Baltimore.

As a group, I know that the commission has to step back but I know that each of you wants MD racing to succeed and is aware of the huge importance of this project. It is hard for the public to visualize where something important happened if every last silent witness to it has been scraped off, and replaced with mall-like structures and utilitarian stables. 2027 will be here before we know it but there is more to getting it done. We need to get it right.”

Maribeth Kalinich commented that she did not like the two-month break that Maryland Racing was currently in and hopes that next year it is just a one-month break. Ms. Kalinich made a comment about a museum at Pimlico. Chairman Mahoney thanked Ms. Kalinich for bringing this to the Commission’s attention and advised that it would be investigated.

Andy Cashman from the Maryland State Fair spoke about being excited about the fair and racing to start. He said that they will have a College Day at the Races.

Cricket Goodall from the Maryland Horse Breeders Association said that they will have their Hall of Fame induction ceremony on August 29. She informed the Commission and public that the two horses being put into the Hall of Fame this year were Smart Angle and Caveat.

Commissioner Nicole Earle thanked Ms. Goodall and Anne Litz for the horse farm tour and library tour they put on for her and students. She said the tour had a huge impact on the kids and she looked forward to doing more.

Hearing no other comments, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Lafferty seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM.

/s/ George Mahoney