Minutes of Public Meeting - October 20, 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 October 20, 2015 commencing at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland.

Minutes – September 15, 2015.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its September 15, 2015 meeting and voted unanimously to approve them.

2016 Race Date Requests.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reminded the track managers that their 2016 race date applications were due and would be considered at the next Commission meeting to be held on November 17, 2015. Mr. Hopkins informed the Commissioners that he had received a request for race dates from Ocean Downs for the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 with 48 days of live racing. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Satellite Simulcast Betting Permits.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission members with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club and the Riverboat on the Potomac to renew their respective Satellite Simulcast Betting permits for the Horseshoe Casino, Pimlico and the Riverboat. Commissioner McDaniel asked about the performance of the facilities. Mr. Hopkins stated that both Pimlico and the Riverboat continue to consistently handle roughly the same amount as in the past and the Horseshoe Casino appeared to be exceeding their projections. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Super High 5 and Post Time.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins asked the Commission to ratify the telephone poll taken to allow the Maryland Jockey Club to offer a rolling Super High 5 wager as well as granting permission to the Maryland Jockey Club to change its post time to 12:30 P.M. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the requests.

Maryland Jockey Club - Update.

Tim Ritvo, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, commented that Maryland Million Day was very successful and wanted to thank everyone involved in helping to put on such a successful event. Commissioner John McDaniel commented on the amount of work that has been done to transform the facility. Mr. Ritvo responded that he had members of the Stronach Group at the track over the weekend and that they were very impressed with the upgrades to the facility. Commissioner McDaniel also asked if there was a plan to invite legislators from Annapolis to see the improvements. Mr. Ritvo commented that the Maryland Jockey Club had the Ways and Means Committee visit and would continue to invite the other committees and legislators out to the site.

Sal Sinatra, also representing the Maryland Jockey Club, commented that the Maryland Jockey Club had been in discussion with Timonium about an Off Track Betting Facility and hoped to have an application prepared before the next Commission meeting.

Commissioner David Hayden commented that going forward the Maryland Jockey Club should be aware of other sporting events that are taking place at the same time as Maryland Million Day and should adjust their schedules to maximize their exposure. Commissioner Tom Bowman suggested that an effort be made to market to younger horse players and to look at ways to increase on track wagering. Commissioner Ernie Grecco suggested a resolution be requested from the Governor to highlight the special race days.

Video Lottery Revenue - Report.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins provided the Commission with a report including the revenue generated by VLT facilities for the month of September. Commissioner Bruce Quade asked as to the projected opening date for the National Harbor facility. Mr. Hopkins responded that he believed September was still the anticipated date.

Public Comment.

Chairman Bruce Quade announced that the RFP for broker services for the Jockey Injury Compensation Fund has been released and available for bid. Chairman Quade also announced that Governor Larry Hogan had appointed Commissioner John McDaniel to be the Chairman of the Racing Commission and that John would begin serving that role at the next Commission meeting Chairman Quade thanked everyone for their help in making his term one with numerous accomplishments.

Frank Vespe of the Maryland Racing Media Association invited everyone to their Crab Feast, which will be held on November 7, 2015. Mr. Vespe indicated that Chairman Quade was going to be recognized for his accomplishments at the event.

Commissioner John McDaniel commented that when the Governor discussed the change in chairmanship, they both agreed to “stay the course” and follow the foundation laid by Chairman Quade going forward. Commissioner McDaniel asked for a resolution of accomplishment to be drafted and presented to Chairman Quade at the next meeting.

Alan Foreman of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Cricket Goodall of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Commissioner Mary Louise Preis, and both Bill Fasy and Peter Szymanski of Ocean Downs all thanked Chairman Quade for his efforts to improve all aspects of Maryland Racing, while allowing everyone a voice at the table.

Next Commission Meeting.

The next Commission meeting will be held on November 17, 2015 in the Clubhouse at Laurel Park, Laurel, MD 20725.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director