Minutes of Public Meeting - September 23, 2021

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 September 23, 2021 at Laurel Park. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Emmit Davitt 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, Chairman Davitt took a roll call of the Commission members and verified that all members were present, except for Commissioner Grecco and Commissioner Coughlin.   Commissioners Lafferty and Commissioner Algeo were present via conference call.

Minutes – August 19, 2021

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its August 19, 2021 meeting and voted unanimously to approve the minutes.  

Safety and Welfare Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reported that the Safety and Welfare Advisory Committee had met on September 8, 2021. As a result, the Committee voted to recommend to the Commission that the current regulations that allow for a permissive threshold for certain corticosteroids should be amended to remove dexamethasone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, betamethasone and isoflupredone.  

Regulations – 09.10.03-01

The Commission, acting on the recommendation of the Safety and Welfare Advisory Committee voted unanimously to amend the current regulations to eliminate the permissive thresholds for dexamethasone, betamethasone, isoflupredone, prednisolone and triamcinolone on a proposed and an emergency basis.

Maryland Jockey Club Update.

Mike Rogers reported that he had no major update from the Maryland Jockey Club.  He advised the Commission that the Maryland Jockey Club was in the process of creating an inclement weather policy, including lightning protocols.

Ocean Downs Simulcasting.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins explained to the Commission that Ocean Downs would not be operating as a simulcast facility on Mondays and Tuesdays starting in October through April. Ocean Downs cited the lack of revenue on Mondays and Tuesdays did not cover the expenses incurred.

Ocean Downs Update.

Bobbi Sample reported that Ocean Downs had a successful summer meet.  Ms. Sample indicated that handle was slightly down from 2019, but that it was a successful race meeting involving numerous Maryland owners and breeders.

Public Comments.

Bill Reightler representing the Maryland State Fair, reported on the successes of the recently concluded race meeting held at Timonium.

Cricket Goodall representing the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, reminded the public that the Maryland Million will be held on October 23, 2021, prior to the next Commission meeting.   Ms. Goodall encouraged everyone to attend, including the silent auction being held in the Sales Pavilion at Timonium on the night of October 22, 2021.

Cheri Stambaugh reported that the Great Frederick Fair was currently taking place and encouraged everyone to attend and watch the standardbred races.

Kevin O’Keefe, a member of the public, asked how he could cash a winning ticket from Ocean Downs without going back to the racetrack. Bobbi Sample representing Ocean Downs responded to Mr. O’Keefe by commenting that all winning tickets can be sent by mail to Ocean Downs.

Chairman Emmet Davitt announced that after a year of being Chairman, it was his pleasure to announce that the Honorable Michael J. Algeo would be taking over as Chairman of the Commission effective October 1, 2021. Chairman Davitt further commented that he would continue to serve as a Commission member and looked forward to working with everyone. Commissioner Algeo thanked Chairman Davitt for his service and noted that he looked forward to serving in his new capacity.

Next Commission Meeting.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins requested that each licensee submit their 2022 racing date request prior to the next Commission meeting to be held at Laurel Park on October 28, 2021 with remote access available to those who could not attend in person.

Emmet Davitt

/s/

Chairman