Minutes of Public Meeting - November 17, 2015

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 17, 2015 commencing at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland.

Chairman John McDaniel called the meeting to order and asked for Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins to read aloud a letter received from Governor Larry Hogan. Executive Director Hopkins read the letter into the record, which highlighted the accomplishments of former Chairman Bruce Quade during his term as Chairman. In the letter, Governor Hogan thanked Mr. Quade for his service as Chairman of the Maryland Racing Commission.

Chairman McDaniel also thanked former Chairman Quade for his service to the Maryland Racing Commission. Chairman McDaniel commented that as Chairman, he plans to follow the course set out by former Chairman Quade, as much was accomplished during his tenure as Chairman. He noted that with cooperation between all the stakeholders, the future of Maryland racing appears strong.

Minutes – October 20, 2015.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its October 20, 2015 meeting and voted unanimously to approve them.

Maryland Jockey Injury Compensation Fund, Inc.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the Commission that the 2016 renewal premium for the Jockey workers’ compensation insurance had increased approximately $80,000.00 from 2015 and suggested that the annual assessment remain at $100.00 for 2016. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Termination of Maryland OTB Audit.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins explained to the Commission that the Maryland Jockey Club was requesting that that the audit for the North East Racing and Sports Club Satellite Simulcast Betting Facility located in North East, Maryland be terminated, as the facility had been closed since November of 2013 and the entity no longer had any financial activity requiring the audit. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Jockey Club – RFRF Request.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission members with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club to be reimbursed $449,138.00 from the Racing Facility Redevelopment Fund for improvements made at Laurel Park and Pimlico. Mr. Hopkins also noted that the expenditures had been reviewed by the Commission’s Certified Public Accountant. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Backstretch Employees’ Pension Plan.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented a request from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association to provide the Backstretch Employees’ Pension Fund with its annual contribution of $400,000.00. Mr. Hopkins also commented that he had the annual audit of the Fund for inspection by the Commission. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Laurel Winter Stakes Schedule.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins provided the Commission with a request for the Laurel Winter Stake schedule. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Laurel Post Time Change.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins provided the Commission members with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club to change its post time from 12:35 P.M. to 12:25 P.M. beginning November 21, 2015. Commissioner Preis asked about the reason for the change. Sal Sinatra, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, responded that the change in post time provides more daylight and also allows for the scheduling of races that are simulcast from other jurisdictions. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Jockey Club Update.

Tim Ritvo, Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Jockey Club, reported that business continues to improve and the Maryland Jockey Club has received comments from their customers that are very positive. Mr. Ritvo explained that improvements are also going forward at both Laurel and Pimlico, including another new barn at Laurel. Mr. Ritvo commented that the MJC continues to explore areas that will enhance the off track betting network. According to Mr. Ritvo, the OTB in Baltimore’s Horseshoe casino continues to exceed projections. Mr. Ritvo also noted that Laurel’s past performances are being carried in the Gulfstream and Santa Anita daily programs, which Mr. Ritvo speculated would lead to increased handle. Mr. Ritvo noted that due to the extensive use of the turf course this year, field sizes have increased by 1.5 horses per race.

2016 Race Date Requests.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission members with the following 2016 race date requests, which were all approved:

1. Maryland Jockey Club – January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 (153 live days);
2. Prince George’s Racing Ventures, Inc. - January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 (54 live days);
3. Maryland State Fair – August 26, 2016 through September 5, 2016 (10 live days);
4. Cecil County Breeders Fair, Inc. – May 28, 2016 and 3 other live days, if requested.

In addition to the racing schedules, the Commission also approved a request from the Maryland Jockey Club for its Laurel Winter Race Meet beginning January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016, which included all of the current permissions for simulcasting and importing and exporting signals. The Commission also approved the Prince George’s Racing Ventures request to import and export the signals they find marketable during calendar year 2016.

Trainer Jerry Robb expressed his concern over not having an opportunity to run his horses since mid-summer due to the kind of races scheduled in the condition book. David Richardson, Director of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, commented that that the MTHA and the Maryland Jockey Club have worked together to provide the racing schedule. Chairman John McDaniel suggested the parties discuss the issue thoroughly and the Commission would make it an agenda item for the December meeting.

October VLT Report.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission members with the October VLT report, noting no changes from prior reports. Commissioner David Hayden asked about the estimated opening date for the National Harbor facility. Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins responded that the anticipated opening for National Harbor is September of 2016, but noted that date could change depending on the weather.

Public Comment.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins recognized Delegate Ned Cary from Anne Arundel County, who was attending the meeting as a guest of horse owner Conrad Wayson.

A standardbred trainer, Gary White, expressed his concern over the dissemination of medication information. Mr. Hopkins responded that the standardbred horsemen’s representative (Cloverleaf) had attended all of the medication meetings and had been provided with the medication information. Commissioner Quade commented that when the medication reforms were put into place, it was understood that the policies would always be subject to scrutiny and change.

Next Commission Meeting.

The next Commission meeting will be held on December 15, 2015 in the Clubhouse at Laurel Park, Laurel, MD 20725.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director