Minutes of Public Meeting - January 14, 2026

DATE: January 14, 2026

TIME: 12:30 PM

PLACE: At Laurel Park, Tycoons Lounge and Virtual

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 for hosting the Commission Meeting at Laurel Park.

Approval Of Minutes Of November 12, 2025

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on November 12, 2025. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Lafferty made the motion. Commissioner Dr. Wright seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Executive Director Report

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission that rule committee meetings for the thoroughbreds have been scheduled. He informed the Commission that the first meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 28. Mr. Merz said all stakeholders are represented at these meetings and the plan for the initial meeting will be to go through the rules and identify high level needs that must be addressed. Mr. Merz said that he was scheduling the harness meeting for the second week of February with the goal of having a rule package to present to the Commission sometime in the summer.

Executive Director Merz continued his report by updating the Commission on the unified medication rules for harness racing. Mr. Merz reported that the next Harness Racing Medication Committee meeting will be in the following week to discuss stakeholder feedback and that the Commissions of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware had sent a letter to the Harness Racing Medication Committee for additional guidance. He said the next step is to evaluate feedback and begin work on regulatory language.

Executive Director Merz concluded his report by updating the Commission about the Maryland Strategic Plan. He informed the Commission that a second steering committee meeting took place on January 7th. The meeting focused on economic development and collaboration and communication. Mr. Merz said they had received 369 responses to a questionnaire that was sent out. He appreciated everyone’s feedback, thoughts and solutions and looked forward to incorporating some of the suggestions into the strategic plan. He noted that the next steering committee meeting will be in March, with advisory committee meetings happening at the end of January and into February.

Hisa Voluntary Implementation Agreement 2026

Executive Director Merz brought to the Commission’s attention the HISA Voluntary Implementation Agreement for 2026. Mr. Merz noted that the agreement was nearly identical to 2025’s agreement other than a few date changes and minor technical changes. He mentioned that the Commission has entered this agreement since its inception in 2023 and looks forward to continuing its work with the Horse Racing Integrity Safety Authority. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the HISA Voluntary Implementation Agreement. Commissioner Earle made the motion. Commissioner Dr. Wright seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

1/St Racing & The Maryland Jockey Club Request For Preakness Future Wager And Two-Day Pick 5 For Blacked Eyed Susan And Preakness

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission he had received a request from 1/ST Racing and The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) for a Preakness Future Wager and a two-day pick 5 for Blacked Eyed Susan and Preakness. He noted that these requests have been made for the last four years and provided background regarding the pools of each wager since 2023. Mr. Merz requested that a vote be taken on each item separately. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the Preakness Future Wager. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Lillis seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the Two-Day Pick 5 wager for Black Eyed Susan and Preakness. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Dr. Wayson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Maryland Bred Race Fund Bonus Percentage Recommendations Request

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission he had received a request from the Maryland Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee on proposed changes to Maryland Bred bonuses. Mr. Merz informed the Commission that a recommendation was made by the Committee to increase the Breeders Bonus from 22.5% to 24%, increase the stallion bonus from 7.5% to 8% and increase the tiered two-year-old bonus from 31.5% to 33.6%. Mr. Merz said this would cost approximately $216,000 through the first six months of the year. Mr. Merz noted that the account has an approximate $1 million carryover and could accommodate the percentage increase. He reminded the Commission that they look at the percentages every six months, so if an adjustment needs to bemade, they could after a six-month period. Commissioner Wayson inquired about the revenue source for the fund. Mr. Merz explained that revenue comes from video lottery terminal monies and that the existing agreements last through 2034.

Commissioner Zavian asked for the item to be tabled to consider what other states do and possibly come up with a different plan. Mr. Merz recommended that the state of the Maryland horse industry needed stability and that keeping the current program with increased percentages would help breeders in the state and give the industry a shot in the arm. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the increase in bonus percentages. Commissioner Wright made the motion. Commissioner Wayson seconded the motion. The motion passed by majority 8-1, with Commissioner Zavian casting the only vote in opposition.

Final Approval Of Claiming Rule (09.10.01.07)

Executive Director Merz sought final approval for amending the claiming rule. Mr. Merz explained that the proposed amendment resulted from a request by the TMJC and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association in May. In August when the rule was brought back to the Commission after going through the necessary steps within the Department of Labor and in October when the proposed amendment was published in the Maryland Register. Mr. Merz indicated that he did not receive any comments regarding the rule and the rule was ready for final passage. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the claiming rule. Commissioner Lafferty made the motion. Commissioner Wright seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Onboarding Kit Updated For 2026:

Executive Director Merz presented updates to the Onboarding Kit for 2026. He mentioned updates included an ethics pages, an updated State of the Industry section, and minor grammar and name changes. No additional changes were requested by the Commissioners. Mr. Merz noted that the kit had been helpful with legislators and other officials when educating them on what the Commission does and talking to them about the racing industry. Commissioner Lillis thanked Commissioner Zavian for her hard work in putting the kit together.

Rosecroft Raceway Update

Executive Director Merz called on Lisa Watts for an update on Rosecroft Raceway. Ms. Watts indicated that Rosecroft’s opening day was Monday January 19 and qualifiers were to start on January 15.

The Maryland Jockey Club Update

Executive Director Merz called on Bill Knauf to give the report. Mr. Knauf reported a strong year given the uncertainty of new leadership. Although there was a reduction of racing dates, there was an increase in handle per race and export handle. He noted that they started the year with an improvement over January of 2025. He attributed the increase to increased marketing and advertising.

Mr. Knauf noted that the horse population is the lowest they have had in the last few years. He said these trends are consistent with the rest of the industry and hopes trainers and horses return in the spring. He made the Commission aware that Maryland apprentice jockey Yedsit Hazelwood was nominated for an Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.

Mr. Knauf told the Commission that Pimlico was currently in the utility design stage and that the track was being analyzed to determine if a replacement or remediation was needed. He said the Maryland Stadium Authority was still conducting due diligence for the training center at Shamrock Farms.

Commissioner Earle inquired about the timing and the RFP for the parcels surrounding Pimlico. Mr. Knauf indicated he could not comment on specific timing but confirmed that Preakness would be at Pimlico for 2027. He emphasized that TMJC has a close working relationship with The Maryland Economic Development Corporation and is committed to collaborating on future matters.

Commissioner Lillis raised concerns about the training center roadblocks and impact on Pimlico operations. Mr. Knauf clarified that MSA is better positioned to address specifics, preferring to use the term challenges over roadblocks. Mr. Knauf noted the opportunity to continue to lease Laurel through 2028 for training center purposes.

Commissioner Zavian asked if there is a strategy to increase horse population and inquired about efforts to assess the cause of the decline. Mr. Knauf identified the backside facility limitations as the primary impediment; this is to be remedied with a new training center. Mr. Knauf noted that year around outreach to trainers and owners does take place. He also expressed confidence that growing handle, notoriety and reduced uncertainty will improve trainer confidence. Commissioner Zavian urged proactive approach rather than waiting for the population to decline. Commissioner Zavian suggested sending out surveys, assessing, and executing on a plan.

Commissioner Wayson inquired about TMJC’s role in the veterinarian suspension at Laurel and collaboration with HISA. Mr. Knauf explained that HISA/HIWU are federally mandated and MJC takes cues from them. Mr. Knauf noted they coordinate with the Executive Director at the Commission level. Commissioner Wayson asked if violations extended beyond the veterinarians to trainers using substances. Executive Director Merz confirmed the investigation was still ongoing and that additional testing was being conducted.

Equine Medical Director Report

Executive Director Merz called on Equine Medical Director, Dr. Elizabeth Daniel, for her report. Dr. Daniel stated that there were two training fatalities in November and two fatalities in December, one during training and one during racing. Dr. Daniel noted that 2025 end of year statistics had 10 fatalities during racing, 13 fatalities during training, and three medical fatalities.

Dr. Daniel said numbers from 2024 and 2025 are nearly identical. She mentioned that total fatality rate was slightly higher in 2025 but noted that there were 3,000 more starts in 2024. The veterinarian team is pleased with the numbers given management changes and revised procedures. Dr. Daniel ended her statement by saying Maryland racing had a 99.7% completion rate for 2025.

Public Comment

April Smith from Friends of Pimlico read from a prepared statement concerning the plans for the new Pimlico.

Cricket Goodall from the Maryland Horse Breeders Association thanked the Commission for supporting the bonus increase. She noted the arrival of new stallions with breeding season starting February 14.

Gina Maybe from the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association informed the Commission that the awards banquet is scheduled for January 31. The Standardbred Breeders would be opening the application period for the Thomas Cooke scholarship at the end of the week.

Chelsea Hackbarth from Paulick Report inquired whether the Commission has considered allowing two suspended veterinarians access to grounds at Laurel. Executive Director Merz indicated he would message her offline regarding this matter.

Hearing no other comments, Chairman Mahoney informed the public the next meeting would be on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. He asked for a motion to conclude the meeting. Commissioner Wright made the motion. Commissioner Earle seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

/s/ George Mahoney