Minutes of Public Meeting - March 11, 2026

DATE: March 11, 2026

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 Meet 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 FEBRUARY 11, 2026

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on February 11, 2026. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Earle seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

PREAKNESS UPDATE- 1/ST RACING

Mike Rogers from 1/ST Racing gave an update to the Commission regarding the plans for Preakness 151 at Laurel Park. Mr. Rogers noted that ticket sales were strong and that the venue was nearly sold out. He stressed that the team realizes that there is a lot of work that needs to be done around the Laurel Park facility. He stated that the permit planning is underway and that some of the high profile events surrounding Preakness such as the Preakness draw and the Alibi Breakfast were already being coordinated. He thanked trainer Mike Trombetta for moving out of his barn so it be used as the stakes barn for Preakness horses. Mr. Rogers concluded his report by saying that his team, The Maryland Jockey Club, and several state agencies are having weekly Preakness meetings to go over logistics. He also noted that the Preakness future bet would open on April 24, 2026.

Chairman Mahoney asked a question regarding parking limitations and noted that the parking lot was in poor shape with potholes everywhere. Mr. Rogers told the Commission they have 2,200 parking spots and are working with local officials to access other areas to provide parking and shuttling. He also noted that they are working with MARC Railway to coordinate train stops and shuttling to the racetrack and back.

Commissioner Earle asked Mr. Rogers several questions. She wanted Mr. Rogers to speak to the communication taking place between the jockeys, owners, and trainers, how they are working with HISA and to touch on marketing being done for the event. Mr. Rogers responded by saying that he has several people dedicated to working with the jockeys, owners, and trainers to have accommodations for them and their families for Preakness week. Mr. Rogers said that he was working with the TMJC to coordinate with HISA to have the surface tested prior to Preakness. He noted that events are being coordinated around the state to celebrate Preakness and his team was in touch with several surrounding counties to promote the event.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission that he attended the Thoroughbred Horse Wellness Expo at the Virginia Tech Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center on February 28th. The expo highlighted horse aftercare, soundness and education.

Mr. Merz said that the Maryland Horse Strategic Plan will be having its next steering committee meeting on March 31. He noted that 11 advisory committee meetings had taken place that included stakeholders from across the horse ecosystem. He concluded his report by saying notes from the advisory committee meeting will be posted on the Maryland Racing Commission and the Maryland Horse Industry Board websites soon.

ROSECROFT RACEAY REQUEST FOR SPRING ADDITIONAL RACE DATE

Executive Director Merz advised the Commission that Rosecroft Raceway requested to have an additional race day on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with a post time of 7:15 PM. This race day is to make up one of the two that were lost due to inclement weather earlier in the year. Mr. Merz informed the Commission that the other day that was lost was going to be made up in the fall. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the March 9 race day for Rosecroft Raceway. Commissioner Earle made the motion. Commissioner West seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

ROSECROFT RACEWAY UPDATE

Lisa Watts gave an update on Rosecroft Raceway. Ms. Watts stated they had no canceled race days in February, and handle was both up in import and export over the same period the previous year. She highlighted they will be racing on Saturdays in May to take advantage of Kentucky Derby and Preakness day festivities. She ended her update by saying the submissions for the Thomas Cooke Scholarships were due by the end of March and the Golden Gloves Boxing Tournaments were ongoing during the weekends at Rosecroft.

THE MARYLAND JOCKEY CLUB UPDATE

Bill Knauf gave the Commission an update on the TMJC. Mr. Knauf reported that handle and field size has been down. He noted that due to insufficient entries they had to cancel racing on Saturday March, 14, 2026. He concluded his report by saying his team and the Fair Hill team have been working hard on getting racing established at Fair Hill for a weekend. He said talks were nearly complete and they look forward to sending out an announcement by the end of the month. Chairman Mahoney thanked Mr. Knauf and the Fair Hill team for working together to get racing back at Fair Hill.

EQUINE MEDICAL DIRECTOR REPORT

Executive Director Merz gave the Equine Medical Director Report. Mr. Merz indicated that there was one fatality during racing in February and that a mortality review was being held the following week.

PUBLIC COMMENT

April Smith from Friends of Pimlico read from a prepared statement advocating for the display of art from the old Pimlico facility at the new facility.

Cricket Goodall from the Maryland Horse Breeders Association stated she was working on the Renaissance Awards with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. It will be the first time they will have the awards during racing. She encouraged Commissioners to attend. She also invited everyone to the Maryland Horse Library for an event that was happening after the Renaissance Awards.

Amanda Hof of Howard County stated that the county was also hosting Preakness activities and highlighted their signature wine event and hotel options. She said she would help however she could to make Preakness at Laurel a success.

Hearing no other comments, Chairman Mahoney informed the public the next meeting would be on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. He asked for a motion to conclude the meeting. Commissioner Earle made the motion. Commissioner Wayson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

s/George Mahoney/s