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Minutes of Public Meeting - February 25, 2021

Commission Members Present:

Emmet Davitt (Chairman)
Michael Algeo
David Hayden
Thomas Bowman
Ernie Grecco
Clarissa Coughlin
Konrad Wayson
Tammy Lafferty
Tom Winebrener

Members Absent:

Staff Present Representing the Maryland Racing Commission:

J. Michael Hopkins

Executive Director
Eric B. London
Assistant Attorney General

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) met by conference call in open session at 12:30 p.m. on February 25, 20212. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Emmet 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.

Minutes – January 28, 2021

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its January 28, 2021 meeting and voted unanimously to approve the minutes.

2021 Legislation.

The Commission was presented with pending legislation that has been introduced during the current legislative session. Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the members of legislation that expanded the membership of the Maryland Bred Fund Advisory Committee by including a member from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association; Funding for the Maryland Humanities Council (which does not impact racing); Legislation enacting Sports Wagering; legislation that would expand community involvement with the reconstruction of Pimlico introduced by Delegate Sandy Rosenberg; and a Bill that eliminates obsolete language, which also would make available $1,300,000.00 for maintenance of Fair Hill.

Ocean Downs 2021 Live Racing.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins provided the Commission with a request from Ocean Downs for their 2021 live racing schedule. The request included 44 days of live racing, three days per week beginning June 6, 2021 through September 15, 2021. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Jockey Club Update.

Sal Sinatra, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, reported that the MJC continues to review and enforce its COVID-19 protocols and is looking forward to receiving information from the Governor’s office that would allow more of the general public to attend in person at Laurel. Commissioner Hayden asked about the use of the Laurel turf course. Mr. Sinatra respond that the MJC was hopeful to have the turf course ready by mid-April. Commissioner Lafferty asked about spectators at Rosecroft. Mr. Sinatra explained that the MJC is waiting for Prince George’s County to provide guidance. Commissioner Wayson asked about the condition of the dirt track at Laurel, specifically near the 5/8 pole. Mr. Sinatra explained that work had been done in that area about a month ago. Commissioner Wayson expressed his concern that the track was inconsistent, but Mr. Sinatra was not aware of any complaints by horsemen or trainers. Mr. Sinatra also advised that there are regular meetings with the Track Superintendent to discuss such issues with the horsemen.

Ocean Downs Update.

Bobbi Sample reported that Ocean Downs continues to work with horsemen to maximize the racing schedule. Further, she advised that Ocean Downs has changed their track logo. Ms. Sample also informed the Commission that Mike Ziegler is now the General Manager of Churchill Downs and has been replaced by Hunter Rankin as the Senior Director of Racing, who will represent Churchill Downs at various tracks, including Ocean Downs.

Public Comments.

Tom Cooke asked the Commission about the general public being allowed at Ocean Downs. Ms. Sample from Ocean Downs advised that the current capacity was 250 people and Ocean Downs was waiting for more guidance from the State. Commissioner Bowman asked if the tracks and horsemen had developed an agreement for the distribution of sports wagering revenue should the legislation pass. Alan Foreman responded that the stakeholders had been in discussion and that they were working on various aspects of sports wagering, including fixed odds wagering. Alan Rifkin, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, informed the Commission that the Maryland Stadium Authority had obtained approval for Ayers Saint Gross, a Baltimore architectural firm, to serve as the architect for the projects at Laurel and Pimlico. Andy Cashman, representing the Maryland State Fair, reported the State Fair was being used as a vaccination site. He also advised that the State Fair was looking forward to the Fasig Tipton sale in May. Dan Myer, a standardbred breeder and owner, asked about the developer bonus being implemented by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen Association and was informed that the bonus had no impact on the standardbred industry. Executive Director Hopkins also informed the Commission of legislation to change the purse percentage from the Alleghany County Casino. Mr. Hopkins advise if the legislation passed, it would have a negative impact on the purse money generated at that VLT location.

Safety and Welfare Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the Commission that the Safety and Welfare Advisory Committee would be scheduling a meeting to discuss a recent Order from the Circuit Court.

Next Commission Meeting

The next Commission Meeting will be held March 25, 2021 at 12:30 P.M. via a conference call.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director