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Minutes of Public Meeting - May 27, 2021

Commission Members Present:

Michael Algeo
Ernie Grecco
David Hayden
Thomas Bowman
Konrad Wayson
Tammy Lafferty

Members Absent:

Emmet Davitt
Clarissa Coughlin

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 live and by conference call in open session at 12:30 p.m. on May 27, 2021 at Pimlico Race Course. Prior to the meeting, Acting Chairman Michael Algeo informed the public that their phones should be muted, but he would give the public the opportunity to address the Commission during Public Comments. At the start of the meeting, Acting Chairman Algeo took a roll call of the Commission members and verified that all members were present, except Chairman Emmet Davitt and Commissioner Clarissa Coughlin.

Minutes – April 22, 2021

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its April 22, 2021 meeting and voted unanimously to approve the minutes.  

Final Regulation – 09.10.03.08.

The Commission was presented with a request for final approval of COMAR 09.10.03.08, which would not penalize a horse that is permitted to use Lasix in a jurisdiction where the restriction is based on a house rule.  Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request for final adoption.

Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented to the Commission the Maryland Standardbred Breeders nomination for the Advisory Committee, Thomas Cooke. Mr. Hopkins further asked if Commissioner Tammy Lafferty would continue to serve as Chairman of the Committee. Ms. Lafferty agreed to continue in the position.  Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the nomination of Tomas Cooke and the acceptance of Commissioner Tammy Lafferty to serve as Chairman of the Advisory Committee.

Maryland Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with the following nominations for the Maryland Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee; Georganne Hale to represent the mile tracks, Richie Blue to represent the half mile track, Tim Keefe to represent the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen Association, Michael Harrison and Kent Murray to represent the Maryland Horse Breeders and Commissioner David Hayden to act as Chairman of the Committee. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Jockey Club- Request to Transfer Laurel Meeting to Pimlico.

Due to the current track surface emergency that is ongoing with the track surface at Laurel Park, The Maryland Jockey Club submitted a request to transfer its Laurel summer race meeting beginning June 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021 to Pimlico. Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins explained that the transfer was needed while the track surface was being replaced. Commissioner Wayson commented that the Commission should be provided specific details and timelines as how the project is going to be completed.  Further, he noted that if certain timelines are not met, the Commission should be advised in advance if the completion date of June 30th or the first week of July could not be attained. Commissioner Algeo suggested a conference call with the Maryland Jockey Club be scheduled to provide such information. Mr. Hopkins said that he would have the call scheduled. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the transfer.

Maryland Jockey Cub Update.

Sal Sinatra thanked all the horsemen and others involved with the move of horses from Laurel to Pimlico and Timonium. Mr. Sinatra also reported that the Pimlico facility was holding up and that the industry is fortunate to have access to the facility. Because of the track issues at Laurel Park. Mr. Sinatra also reported that he could not provide any specifics on the track surface project, since he was not the point person for the Maryland Jockey Club on the issue.

Oceans Downs – High Five Wager.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins advised the Commission that he received a request from Ocean Downs to offer the High Five Wager during its summer race meeting and establish the takeout rate at 15%, which is below the maximum rate. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Ocean Downs Update.

Bobbi Sample reported that Ocean Downs is working toward the race meeting.  She advised they would be having nightly entertainment and games for the patrons. Also returning this year on July 5th will be camel races. Ms. Sample also extended an invitation to the Commission members to hold its August meeting at Ocean Downs in coordination with the MACO Conference. Commissioner Lafferty thanked Bobbi Sample and Ocean Downs for all their support.

Public Comments.

Bill Reightler, representing the Maryland State Fair, reported that the State Fair is more than willing to help Maryland racing.  He specifically recognized Don Denmyer for all his hard work at the facility. Mr. Reightler also reported that the recently concluded 2-year-old in training sale was a record breaking sale and had a 61% increase over an 11-year period.

Cricket Goodall, representing the Maryland Horse Breeders, informed the Commission that their capital project goals were about a third accomplished and that the Maryland Million will be run on October 23, 2021 at Laurel.

Next Commission Meeting.

Next Commission meeting to be determined.

Michael Algeo, Esq.
/s/                                                                                                                               
Acting Chairman