Minutes of Public Meeting - October 8, 2025

DATE: October 8, 2025

TIME: 12:30 PM

PLACE: Laurel Park, Tycoons Lounge

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission” or “MRC”) met in person and by the Google Meets platform in open session at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park. Chairman George Mahoney took a roll call of the Commission members and confirmed that all were present either in person or virtually. Chairman Mahoney thanked Bill Knauf and his staff at Laurel Park for hosting the Commission Meeting at Laurel Park.

Approval Of Minutes Of Ocotber 8, 2025

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on October 8, 2025. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Lafferty seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Executive Director Report

Executive Director Christopher Merz informed the Commission that the Racing Commissions of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia have agreed on an outline and timeline regarding the three states having the same medications rules for Harness racing. Mr. Merz stated that the first phase had already begun with the Commissions looking over each state’s rules. Phase two will be reaching out to stakeholders and getting their input. He stated that the schedule was aggressive and the plan to present the new rules to the Commission would be in six months.

Executive Director Merz updated the Commission on the open veterinarian position. He stated that interviews had gone well, and he expected to have someone starting in the role in the next 60 days. He said the search for additional veterinarians will be ongoing and his goal was to have a team of five prior to the new training center and the new Pimlico racetrack being built.

Executive Director Merz ended his report by telling the Commission he was on a call with the Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Virginia to discuss having equine medical services at the new training center. He noted that the call was very productive and the first of many to take place.

Stakeholder Member Engagement (MTHA, MTBA, CLOVERLEAD AND MSBA)

Executive Director Merz, at the request of the Commission, reached out to industry stakeholder organizations for both thoroughbred and harness to discuss how they communicate with their constituents. Mr. Merz provided material in the Commissioners’ packets and asked if they had any questions. Commissioner Zavian asked about how stakeholders were transitioning to newer forms of technology to communicate. Cricket Goodall of the Maryland Thoroughbred Breeders Association told Commission Zavian of her organization’s plans to modernize their communication. She said although email has been very successful for her organization, she is working with other technology to improve outreach and welcomed suggestions from Commissioner Zavian.

Commissioner Zavian stated that she could look into combining efforts with other stakeholders to cast their message out further, work on getting sponsors and work with Google to use their analytic resources to help with data.

David Richardson of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association discussed the success they have had with WhatsApp. He noted that engagement has been through the roof and it easy to connect with stakeholders in real time. He concluded his statement by saying they have a few discussion groups where they engage with stakeholders and can make decisions based off those discussions.

Commissioner Zavian made one final comment that students at universities can help these organizations come up with plans to get sponsorships and help with outreach. She encouraged anyone who was interested to reach out to her.

OTB Permit Approval

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission he had received Off Track Betting Permit approvals from The Maryland Jockey Club accompanied by affidavits. He noted that the request, along with the affidavits, satisfy COMAR rule 09.10.05.09. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the OTB Permits. Commissioner Zavian made the motion. Commissioner Lillis seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

TCO2 Rule Approval

Executive Director Merz brought to the Commission’s attention a rule change regarding TCO2. He stated that the stewards and judges have been relying on a policy rather than a COMAR rule to make a ruling. Mr. Merz continued by saying that having a COMAR regulation will give the stewards and judges a more reliable authority to issue fines associated with an overage. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the TCO2 Rule. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Lafferty seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Maryland Bred Fund Percentage Raise Approval

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission he had received a request from the Maryland Horse Breeders Association to have an increase to the fee paid to the MHBA as compensation for the administration of the Maryland Bred Race Fund. He noted the Maryland Bred Fund Advisory Committee had a meeting to discuss the increase on September 29, 2025. He said the Committee voted on the request to change the percentage from 8% to 9% retroactive to April 1, 2025, to align with the MTBA fiscal year and to have it end March 31, 2026. Mr. Merz advised the Commission that the recommendation was passed and was being brought before the Commission for final approval.

Commissioner Wayson asked how much of an increase would it be in dollars. Cricket Goodall answered the question by stating it would be a $70,000 increase and noted that by regulation, they can take up to 10% with approval from the Commission. Hearing no other questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the Maryland Bred Fund Percentage Raise from 8% to 9%. Commissioner West made the motion. Commissioner Lillis seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Rosecroft Raceway 2026 Dates Approval

Executive Director Merz told the Commission he received a request from Rosecroft Raceway for 2026 race dates. He stated that they were seeking 60 days of live racing with 303 days of simulcast. The majority of their meet will be run on Mondays and Thursdays with a post time of 7:15 PM. Mr. Merz indicated that 21 live race days will be run from Jan 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026 with 13 live days being run from April 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026, with June 1 to August 31 2026 being simulcast only.

Commissioner Zavian asked if there was anything different about this request from 2025’s request. Mr. Merz stated that only change was races would be run on Mondays and Thursdays rather than Monday and Wednesday. Hearing no further questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the Rosecroft Race Dates for 2026. Commissioner Lafferty made the motion. Commissioner West seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Fair Hill Turf Course Update

Trish Brown from the Department of Natural Resources gave an update regarding the maintenance plan for the Fair Hill turf course over the winter. Ms. Brown indicated that consistent data pulls of the turf course would be ongoing through the winter. The turf course was currently transitioning to the Five Star Event and that work would immediately start on the turf course after the event to get it ready for Memorial Day racing. She noted she had received great feedback from trainers and riders regarding the turf course. Additional work to the tracks crossings was going to be the main priority for the DNR turf team.

Chairman Mahoney asked if any injuries had occurred during the racing on August 30th. Ms. Brown said a horse pulled up during the race had a soft tissue issue and was taken back to the barn area via horse ambulance. She said she spoke to another trainer who said his horse also had a soft tissue injury, but could not confirm if it was due to the racetrack or an issue that happened after the race. Chairman Mahoney asked if the turf course could sustain eight straight days of racing. Ms. Brown commented that her team was working closely with other industry stakeholders and wants to take the wait and see approach in how to manage racing dates.

Commissioner Zavian asked if the crossing areas could not be used so that area would not receive damage on the racecourse. Ms. Brown said they are looking at turf trays that are used at other racetracks in the country to prevent the turf course from getting damaged. Ms. Brown said she would update the Commission once a solution was figured out.

Commissioner Lillis asked how much of the turf course was used and how torn-up it got. Ms. Brown said the turf crossing areas had a little wear to them and that the DNR team was going to address those issues once the Five Star event was done.

Rosecroft Raceway Update

Executive Director Merz called on Lisa Watts for an update on Rosecroft Raceway. Ms. Watts started her update by saying racing had started at Rosecroft and that export handle was up 20% over last year. Ms. Watts said on track wagering is down slightly. The Potomac Pace will be run on November 2nd and they will be having a Pete Medhurst legacy race on the same day. She ended her report by saying the Rosecroft facility is being used as a food staging area to help out the local community. Finally, Ms. Watts noted that at the end of October they will be having the Police Boxing League finals.

The Maryland Jockey Club Update

Executive Director Merz called on Bill Knauf to give the report. Mr. Knauf started his report by acknowledging Tim Tullock, The Maryland Jockey Club’s Compliance and Safety Officer, for saving the life of Jockey Agent. He said without Mr. Tullock’s quick thinking and CPR, the Jockey agent could have suffered dire consequences.

Mr. Knauf said handle was up mostly in September after a slow start. A handicapping tournament they hosted in person and online drew 150 entrants. Mr. Knauf reported great success with an Oyster promotion. He noted they sold over 4,000 oysters and had to stop the promotion earlier than expected because they had sold out. Mr. Knauf called up Jeff Kreimer, Director of Health and Safety for The Maryland Jockey Club.

Mr. Kreimer stated that safety exercises were done at the racetrack on October 2nd as part of compliance with the Horseracing Integrity Safety Authority guidelines. He said the drills went smoothly and they partnered with Anne Arundel County emergency officials during the drills. He reported that memorandum of understanding had been put in place with Anne Arundel County emergency officials to reduce times to get to emergencies at the racetrack.

Commission Lillis asked for an update on Pimlico and the Training center. Mr. Knauf commented that Pimlico was on schedule and that the facility was completely flat. He said the Maryland Stadium Authority was still conducting tests and was hopeful they would be done by November.

Equine Medical Director Report

Executive Director Merz called on Equine Medical Director, Dr. Elizabeth Daniel, for her report. Dr. Daniel stated that there was one nonrelated racing injury that led to euthanasia and that a mortality review was set up for later in the month. She reported no racing fatalities for the month of September.

Public Comment

Cricket Goodall from the Maryland Horse Breeders Association announced it was the Maryland Million 40th anniversary and that she was very excited for the races this year. Maryland Million would be hosting a cocktail party at Camden Yards the Friday before the event.

David Gordon from the Maryland State Fair reported that handle was down for the meet but crowds were up. He thanked The Maryland Jockey Club for all their help. He concluded his statement by saying that the Fasig-Tipton Yearling sale had recently concluded and revenue was up over last year.

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) voted unanimously to go into Executive Session on October 8, 2025, at approximately 1:23 P.M. Under General Provisions Art. § 3-305(b7): To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a litigation matter.