Minutes of Public Meeting - October 28, 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 October 28, 2021 at Laurel Park. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Michael Algeo informed the public that were participating by conference call 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 Algeo took a roll call of the Commission members and verified that all members were present.   Commissioners Davitt and Winebrenner were present via conference call. Chairman Algeo thanked Commissioner Emmet Davitt for his service as Chairman and noted that he was looking forward to working with him in the future.

Minutes – September 23, 2021

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its September 23, 2021 meeting and voted unanimously to approve the minutes.  

Maryland Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reported that the Maryland State Fair was recommending Joe Davies as their representative on the Advisory Committee to replace Richie Blue. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Race Dates 2022.

The Commission was presented with requests for 2022 race dates. Each request was given to the Commission separately and approved by a motion for the following dates:

Fair Hill – 3 days;

Maryland State Fair – 10 days – August 25, 2022 through September 5, 2022;

Ocean Downs – 47 days – January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (live racing May 29, 2022 through September 7, 2022);

Rosecroft – 60 days – January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022;

Laurel Park – 147 days – January 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022; April 1, 2022 through May 8, 2022; June 1 through July 31, 2022; and September 6, 2022 through December 31, 2022;

Pimlico – 21 days – May 9, 2022 through May 31, 2022; August 1, 2022 through August 25, 2022 and August 30, 2022.

Satellite Simulcast Betting Permit Renewal - 2022.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkin provided the Commission members with requests to renew 9 Satellite Simulcast Betting Facility permits for 2022. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Track Surface Update.

At the request of Commissioner Konrad Wayson, the Maryland Jockey Club (“MJC”) was asked to provide an update on the condition of the new track surface at Laurel Park. Mike Rogers, Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Jockey Club, introduced Chris Bosley the track superintendent to give an overview. Mr. Bosley explained that since Laurel reopened the track in August, the MJC has been going through a period of understanding how the track reacts to weather. Mr. Bosley advised that the MJC is taking samples for analysis to maintain consistency in the soil and sand content of the cushion.  He further explained that the MJC is experimenting with a silica sand in preparation for the winter months, when freezing and thawing of the track surface will occur. Chairman Algeo commented that the Commission has been very involved in the safety of the track surface and will continue to be involved. Chairman Algeo suggested that if anyone had concerns about the track surface, they should speak up for those concerns to be addressed. Commissioner David Hayden asked if the deep tinning of the turf course had helped. Mr. Bosley responded that it had. Commissioner Wayson asked how often the materials would be tested for consistency. Mr. Bosley responded that the MJC would continue to monitor the track surface routinely and that before any new material is added, testing would be done to identify any changes to the surface. Mr. Bosley further advised that the depth of the track is checked after each time it is graded and 2 or 3 other times during the week. Commissioner Wayson asked if all types of injuries are reported to the State Veterinarian. Executive Director responded that all practicing veterinarians have been asked to report any injuries. Mike Rogers commented that the MJC has an injury database to track injuries. Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reminded the Commission that the track surfaces would be reviewed again during the track renovation project being headed by the Maryland Stadium Authority.

Maryland Jockey Club Update.

Mike Rogers reported that it was good to see people back at the track on Maryland Million Day and see the handle increase beyond pre-Covid levels.  He thanked Cricket Goodall of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association for having a successful Maryland Million Day.

Ocean Downs Update.

Bobbi Sample reported that she had no major update concerning Ocean Downs as no racing takes place in October.

Future Meeting Dates.

Due to scheduling dates, holidays and live racing, Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins sent out a request to the Commission asking their input on changing the meeting date to the first Tuesday of each month starting in December. Hearing no objection, the Commission announced they would be making the change to have monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month starting on December 7, 2021.

Public Comments.

April Smith from Friends of Pimlico read from a statement that said, in part, that Pimlico should not change the footprint of the track due to the rich history of the site.

Katy Voss commented that the next Commission meeting was the same day as the Timonium sale on December 7th. Andy Cashman representing the Maryland State Fair offered to host the meeting on December 7, 2021.  The Commission agreed to have the meeting at the Maryland State Fair.

Gerry Brewster from the Maryland State Fair reported that Timonium had begun work on installing an elevator on the north side of the grandstand that will accommodate patrons during racing.  He further noted that patrons will be able to use the elevator when the Sports Book is opened.

Cricket Goodall representing the Maryland Horse Breeders Association personally thanked Georganne Hale, Tim Luzius and Jillian Tullock for their help and support on Maryland Million Day.

Bobby Lillis congratulated Cricket Goodall and everyone else for the success of Maryland Million Day.

Marybeth Kalinich of Friends of Pimlico commented that Pimlico should be expanded and used more as a horse facility and expressed concerns over the proposed redevelopment plan.

Pete Hanley, Race Secretary at Rosecroft, invited everyone to Rosecroft on November 14 to attend the Potomac Pace.

Next Commission Meeting.

December 7, 2022 in the Administration building at Timonium Race Course starting at 12:30 P.M.

Michael J. Algeo           

/s/                                                                                                        

Chairman