Minutes of Public Meeting - November 12, 2025

DATE: November 12, 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 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 Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Zavien seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Approval Of Executive Session March 4, 2025 Minutes

Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the executive session minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. Commissioner Zavian made the motion, Commissioner Wayson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Executive Director Report

Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks addressed the Commission to talk about the Executive Order establishing the Maryland Horse Industry Strategic Plan. Secretary Atticks said the Strategic Plan was a good opportunity for all aspects of the horse industry to come together to make a path forward for the Maryland equine industry. He noted that horses are key to the economy in the state. He noted that the Strategic Plan was put together to build a path forward. He noted that third parties had been engaged to lead the discussions and stressed that the entire horse industry needed to participate and be heard.

Commissioner Zavian asked how the Strategic Plan was being funded. Secretary Atticks stated that the process of finding the right third party to undertake the Strategic Plan was still in process and that he would have a better idea of timing and details in December. He noted that the Strategic Plan will be put together by representatives from different sectors of the horse industry rather than people from existing Boards.

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission that a new Veterinarian had been hired and started on October 29, 2025. He noted that this brought the veterinarian count to four full-time veterinarians and that they would continue to look for veterinarians to hire.

Executive Director Merz continued his report by updating the Commission on the progress of the Standardbred Medication Rule Unification. He noted that the states were moving on to the next steps in getting stakeholder feedback on the rules. While the Commissions were waiting for feedback, Mr. Merz advised that they would begin to make sure the same terminology is used across the states and to start building the regulatory language. Mr. Merz noted that his next meeting with the different Commissions would be in December.

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission that he was nearly done finalizing a Rule Committee for both thoroughbred and harness racing to examine regulations for updating. Mr. Merz advised that his goal was to have the first meetings in January with a timeline of presenting a rules package by June.

2026 Race Day Requests (Ocean Downs, Tmjc, Timonium, And Fair Hill

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission he had received racing dates request from Ocean Downs, The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC), The Maryland State Fair, and Cecil County Breeders.

Ocean Downs requested 48 live racing days starting Monday, May 18, 2026, to Monday, September 7, 2026. The request also asked for permission to simulcast its racing to all marketable locations in and outside of Maryland and to accept interstate wagers on all marketable standardbred, thoroughbred, and quarter horse races in the 2026 calendar year. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the Ocean Downs request. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Wayson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

TMJC requested 120 days of live racing in 2026. The schedule had been approved by TMJC and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. The request asked for approval of simulcast racing it finds marketable in and outside of Maryland to accept interstate wagers. Mr. Merz stated that the Laurel Winter Meet would be from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026. Live racing would start January 9, 2026, with the month of January having two days of racing each week on Fridays and Saturdays. First post would be at noon. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve The Maryland Jockey Club request. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Lafferty seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The Maryland State Fair requested 10 days of racing, and would likely run seven of the ten days. Mr. Merz advised that the days they are planning on running are August 28-30 and September 4-7. Mr. Merz noted this request is nearly identical to what has been requested for the past several years. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the State Fair request. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Wayson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The Cecil County Breeders requested eight racing days at Fair Hill for 2026. Mr. Merz said this is permitted by statute and the request is the same as past years. Commissioner Wayson asked Mr. Merz whether or not this request should be tabled until exact dates were confirmed. Mr. Merz said at this time, the Commission is just okaying the amount of race days Cecil County can run for 2026 and not the exact dates. Exact dates would be given to the Commission a month prior for a vote. Hearing no other questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the Cecil County Breeders request. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Zavien seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

2026 Maryland Sire Stakes And Maryland Race Fund Request

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission he had received a request from the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee on a proposed schedule for the 2026 Maryland Sire Stakes and Maryland Standardbred Fund stake races at Ocean Downs and Rosecroft. Mr. Merz noted the difference between the proposed schedule for 2026 from 2025 is that the Day of Champions will be coming back to Rosecroft in October. The finals will be run on October 11th, and the hope is to work with Maryland Million to make it a big weekend for the racing industry. Mr. Merz concluded his comments by saying that Scott Warren, who took over the role of administrator for the Fund, had been doing a great job and his industry knowledge is very appreciated. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve 2026 Maryland Sire Stakes and Maryland Race Fund schedule. Commissioner Zavian made the motion. Commissioner Lillis seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Handicapping Tournament 2026 Request

Executive Director Merz said he had received a request from TMJC to host hybrid handicapping tournaments for the calendar year of 2026. He said these tournaments happen onsite and online through various wagering platforms. He stated that the tournaments were introduced by TMJC in April for Preakness Preview Day, where TMJC saw over 200 entrants and handle over $5.5 million. Mr. Merz said these tournaments help handle and bring more eyes to Laurel Park and the wagering product. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the handicapping tournament request. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Wright seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Specimen Rule 09.10.03.09

Executive Director Merz brought to the Commission’s attention changes to the specimen testing language of the COMAR regulations. He noted that the language being changed to have the Commission designate an authorized official to collect blood samples and removed language regarding timing of when the specimen would be taken after the race. Mr. Merz stated that the Commission currently identifies a state veterinarian as any veterinarian that is hired by the Commission or a veterinarian designated by a third party hired by the Commission. Commissioner Jenniffer Wright made the suggestion to add “microchip” to the language to be current with practices going on in the industry.

Commission Zavian asked why the timing of the sample taking was being taken out. Equine Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Daniel stated that this gives the veterinarian in the test barn flexibility to send the horse back to the barn or draw the blood in a quick manner if the horse becomes unruly or has a medical episode. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the amendment to COMAR 09.10.03.09 inclusive of the microchip language. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Jennifer Wright seconded, Commission Zavian opposed and the motion passed.

Commission Meeting Dates For 2026

Executive Director Merz presented the Commission with dates for meetings for the 2026 calendar year, which will be on the Commission’s website. Hearing no objection, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the 2026 Commission meeting calendar. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Wayson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Rosecroft Raceway Update

Executive Director Merz called on Lisa Watts for an update on Rosecroft Raceway. Ms. Watts thanked everyone for coming to the Potomac Pace. She advised that Rosecroft had a great day and turnout. Commission Lillis commented on a job well done by Ms. Watts’ staff. Ms. Watts concluded her update by talking about upcoming race days and events taking place at the track.

The Maryland Jockey Club Update

Executive Director Merz called on Bill Knauf to give the report. Mr. Knauf started his report by saying they had a great Maryland Million. Handle was up for the day along with the entire month of October. They saw a 30-40% rise in handle in 2026 October compared to 2025 October. They had several events in the month, including a craft beer tasting and Breeders Cup. Mr. Knauf noted that Breeders Cup handle was up over last year. He concluded his report by saying they have a many new things planned for the new year and that a TV show was filmed at Laurel Park at the end of October.

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 injuries 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 October.

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 Bill Knauf and his staff for a great Maryland Million Day and for their help with the event.

David Gordon from the Maryland State Fair reported that the Fair was already getting prepared for next year’s racing at Timonium. He thanked all the volunteers who helped put on the Fair and looked forward to next year.

Christopher Merz from the Maryland Racing Commission thanked the Commission and industry stakeholders for making his first year as the Executive Director a successful one. He said he looked forward to what the industry could accomplish together for 2026.

Hearing no other comments, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to conclude the meeting. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Wright seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

/s/ George Mahoney

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.