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Minutes of Public Meeting - November 11, 2014

Commission Members Present:

Bruce Quade
Tammy Lafferty
John McDaniel
David Hayden
Ernest Grecco
Mary Louise Preis
Charles Tildon
Louis Ulman

Members Absent:

John Franzone

Staff Present Representing the Maryland Racing Commission:

J. Michael Hopkins

Executive Director
Eric B. London
Assistant Attorney General

In accordance with the Notice of Public Meeting, as required by State Government Article, §10-506, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission ("Commission") met in open session on November 11, 2014 commencing at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland.

Prior to the start of the meeting, Chairman Bruce Quade asked for a moment of silence to honor Veterans of the past and those who continue to serve in recognition of Veterans Day.

Minutes - October 21, 2014.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its October 21, 2014 meeting and voted unanimously to approve them.

Maryland Jockey Club - 2015 Racing Dates.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club for its 2015 racing calendar. Laurel - January 1 through March 31; August 1 through August 23; August 25; and September 10 through December 31; and Pimlico - April 1 through July 31. Mr. Hopkins also informed the Commission that the Maryland Jockey Club's proposed schedule included approximately 149 days of live racing. He noted 12 days of live racing would be conducted in August, which had not been the case in previous years. The Maryland Jockey Club also asked for approval of its winter race meeting beginning January 1 through March 31. The meeting includes importing and exporting races it finds marketable, in addition to conducting 43 days of live racing and the winter stake schedule. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the requests.

Maryland State Fair - 2015 Racing Dates.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with a request from the Maryland State Fair asking for approval of 10 days of racing from August 28 through September 7. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Cecil County Breeders' Fair, Inc. - 2015 Racing Dates.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with a request from the Cecil County Breeders' Fair, Inc. to conduct racing on four days, with the intent to have the race on May 23, 2015. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Backstretch Employees' Pension Fund.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins advised the Commission that the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (MTHA) requested an allocation of $400,000.00 for the Maryland Backstretch Employees Pension Fund, which is an annual request. The Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Standardbred Race Fund - Qualifying Time.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the Commission that prior to the Commission meeting, the Maryland Standardbred Advisory Committee had met to discuss qualifying times for horses participating in the Standardbred Race Fund races held at Rosecroft and Ocean Downs. As a result, the Advisory Committee recommended that the Commission amend its current regulations, COMAR 09.10.02.43 and .53, and propose one qualifying time for Standardbred Race Fund Races. In addition, the Standardbred Advisory Committee recommended amending the distribution of purse money in a Fund race when only three horses finish a race. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the recommendations.

Workers' Compensation.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the Commission that the premium for the Maryland Jockey Injury Compensation Fund from its insurance carrier, Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company, had been reduced from $1,223,005 to $736,043. Mr. Hopkins requested that the Commission approve a $100.00 assessment for every licensed owner and trainer in 2015 for the Maryland Jockey Injury Compensation Fund. Chairman Quade thanked Commission staff for working with Chesapeake to have the premium reduced. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the assessment and accepted the quote as submitted.

Chairman Quade - Task Force.

Chairman Bruce Quade announced that he wanted to establish a racing task force that would review all aspects of horse racing and breeding in the State. The purpose of the task force would be to look at ways to expand the customer base, make use of 21st century technology, social media, bring people back to the track, increase wagering through electronic means and look at different ways to market the industry. All of these issues are relevant to both the thoroughbred and standardbred industries which have expressed a desire to be a part of the task force. Chairman Quade continued commenting that the horse racing industry is a global market and that there needs to be constant review of how the racing industry is seen in the public eye and the different ways the industry can build upon itself so that the industry can demonstrate its importance to the economy of Maryland. Chairman Quade also stated that he would develop a mission statement for the task force and present it at the next meeting in December. All Commission members present voiced support for the creation of the task force.

Video Lottery Revenue - Report.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins provided the Commission with the October 2014 VLT report. Mr. Hopkins further commented that the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore City would need to be operational for additional time before its impact could be fully estimated.

Public Comment.

Bobby Lillis of the Maryland Horsemen's Assistance Fund commented that he would like to participate on the task force.

Next Commission Meeting.

The next Commission meeting will be held on December 16, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland. Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reminded the Commission that there would be hearings scheduled in the afternoon after completion of the meeting.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director