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Minutes of Public Meeting - January 4, 2022

Commission Members Present:

Michael Algeo
Tom Winebrener
David Hayden
Thomas Bowman
Emmet Davitt
Clarissa Coughlin
Ernest Grecco

Members Absent:

Tammy Lafferty
Konrad Wayson

Staff Present Representing the Maryland Racing Commission:

J. Michael Hopkins

Executive Director
Eric B. London
Assistant Attorney General

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) met in person and by conference call in open session at 12:30 p.m. on January 4, 2022 at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Michael Algeo informed the public that their phones or computers should be muted, but he would give the public the opportunity to address the Commission during Public Comments. At the start of the meeting, Chairman Algeo took a roll call of the Commission members and verified that all members were present, with the exceptions of Commissioners Tammy Lafferty and Konrad Wayson.

Minutes – December 7, 2021 and December 14, 2021.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its December 7, 2021 and December 14, 2021 meetings and voted unanimously to approve the minutes.

Final Approval -Regulations 09.10.03.01-1. 

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins requested the Commission members approve for final adoption, amendments to COMAR 09.10.03.01-1 that deletes any permissive threshold for betamethasone, dexamethasone, isoflupredone, prednisolone and triamcinalone. Mr. Hopkins further commented that these regulations have been in effect as an emergency regulation since November 1, 2021. Mr. Hopkins also advised there have not been any violations reported related to these new restrictions. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously voted to approve the amendments to COMAR 09.10.03.01-1 for final adoption.

Maryland Jockey Club – Additional Days.

The Commission was notified that the Maryland Jockey Club had added three additional days of live racing in January to replace days that were cancelled from December.

Maryland Jockey Club – Racing Surface - Laurel Park.

Mike Rogers, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, reported to the Commission that the work plan submitted in December was on schedule and that he estimated that another 1,000 tons of sand was to be added to the surface in accordance with the plan. Since reopening the track on December 16, 2021, an excess of 700 horses have trained over the track and over 800 have raced over the surface, without any catastrophic injuries reported. Chairman Algeo invited Commission members to ask any questions of Mr. Rogers. Hearing none, Chairman Algeo asked Commissioner Bowman, as the Chairman of the Safety and Welfare Committee, if he had any comment. Commissioner Bowman commented that he has been in contact with the horsemen’s expert, John Passero, about his role in the oversight of the track. Commissioner Bowman expressed his concern that there appeared to be no one in charge to make final decisions. He also commented that all the experts agree on the goal of the work plan, but do not necessarily agree on how to get there. Chairman Algeo thanked Dr. Bowman and Mike Rogers. Chairman Algeo continued that the lines of communication stay open to avoid the Commission being put in the position they were in the prior month.  Chairman Algeo further commented that the role of the Commission is to consider the safety of the horses and jockeys, but the Commission was not the track police.  In response to Commissioner Bowman, Mike Rogers commented that all the experts agree with the proposed plan, except for the timing of cutting into the pad of the track, which would be done when there is sufficient sand added to the cushion. Chris Bosley, the Laurel track superintendent, commented that his crew was working on the track and that the equipment being used and their methodology was working in accordance with the proposed work plan.

Commission David Hayden asked Mike Rogers about the status of the 10 year agreement between the Track, Horsemen, Breeders and Commission, which was due to expire at the end of 2022.  Mr. Rogers commented that there had been preliminary discussions with the stakeholders.

Ocean Downs – Update.

Bobbi Sample reported that Ocean Downs was preparing for their opening on Memorial Day.

Public Comment.

Cricket Goodall, representing the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (“MHBA”), commented that the MHBA was a part of the ten-year agreement negotiations and would be involved in the negotiations again.  Andy Cashman, representing the Maryland State Fair, reported that Timonium had applied for a sports betting license. Commissioner Hayden asked if the Maryland State Fair knew when the sport betting license would be granted. Mr. Cashman responded that the Lottery Commission was in the process of reviewing their request.

Next Commission Meeting.

February 1, 2022 at Laurel Park starting at 12:30 P.M.

Michael J. Algeo        

Chairman