Minutes of Public Meeting - June 11, 2025

DATE: June 11, 2025

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, except Commissioners Nicole Earle and Dr. Jennifer Wright. A quorum was present for the meeting.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Mahoney called the Commission to order at roughly 12:30 PM.

APPROVAL OF May 14, 2025, MINUTES

The Commission waived a reading of the open minutes of its meeting on May 14, 2025. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner West made the motion. Commissioner Lillis seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

Executive Director Merz started his report by talking about a meeting with the Maryland Horse Education Foundation. The meeting brought the entire horse industry together to talk about jobs within the industry, how to get younger people engaged with horses and how to give people the tools to work within the horse industry. Topics included partnering with the Groom Elite Program to teach individuals about the foundations of horse care, working on creative ways to get more large animal veterinarians to the state of Maryland and to get more engagement across other industries.

Executive Director Merz gave an update regarding the Fair Hill meet schedule on Saturday August 30, 2025. He noted that Chairman Mahoney had been up to Fair Hill to observe training several times. Chairman Mahoney commented that the horses handled the surface well and the course was in great shape. Mr. Merz continued by saying he had requested surface reports from the Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) to make sure the turf course was up to maintenance standards and to determine if the course could handle a day of racing. He said Sports Corp (a nonprofit that helps run events and is acting on behalf of the Cecil County Breeders to hold racing at Fair Hill) and DNR were exploring options to have pari-mutuel wagering. Mr. Merz said he would keep the Commission informed of any further updates regarding Fair Hill.

Executive Director Merz concluded his report by telling the Commission that he and Assistant Attorney General London had begun the process of looking through the COMAR regulations to identify areas that might need updating. Mr. Merz said that over the course of the summer, he would keep the Commission and other stakeholders updated on any possible regulatory changes.

MARYLAND STANDARDBRED RACE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR

Executive Director Merz brought to the Commission’s attention that the Chair for the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee needed to be nominated and confirmed. Mr. Merz reminded the Commission of the members already on the Committee and that those members were in the process of their four-year terms. He said the Commission seat is voted on every year. Chairman Mahoney requested a Motion to have Commissioner Tammy Lafferty continue her role as Chair of the Committee. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Wright seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

MARYLAND-BRED RACE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission that the Maryland-Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee needed to be renewed. He noted that all members of this Committee had one-year terms. After speaking with industry stakeholders, Mr. Merz announced the nominations. For the One Mile Tracks, Georganne Hale was nominated, for the half mile track, Ferris Allen was nominated, for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Katy Voss was nominated, The Maryland Horse Breeders had two people to nominate, they nominated Kent Murray and Billy Boniface. Commissioner West expressed her interest in returning as Chair of the Committee and be the representative of the Commission.

Before the vote took place, Commissioner Zavian questioned the process for the Horsemen’s Association and Breeders Association. Mr. Merz informed Commissioner Zavian that the members are already part of the organization’s respective Boards and they are nominated by the people within those Boards. Commissioner Zavian commented that more outreach to their members should give other people the opportunity to serve rather than people already on Boards within the organizations. Mr. Merz told Commissioner Zavian that he would investigate their practices and see if something like that could be done.

Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the Committee members. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Wayson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

OCEANS DOWN UPDATE

Executive Director Merz called on Peter Szymanski for an update on Ocean Downs. Mr. Szymanski thanked the Commission for approving Commissioner Lafferty to be the Chair of the Standardbred Advisory Fund. He advised that on track handle was up, but out of state handle was down for the two weeks of live racing. He further said with other tracks running in close proximity to Ocean Downs, field size had been lower than expected. He said field size was hovering around 7.5 horses a race compared to 8.1 at this time last year. He further noted that Ocean Downs is running nine to ten races a night. He was hoping with the closure of Shenandoah Downs that more horses will become available to race and help field size. He concluded his report by saying that on June 29th the annual Wiener Dog races will be held.

THE MARYLAND JOCKEY CLUB UPDATE

Executive Director Merz called on Bill Knauf to give the report. Mr. Knauf said that Preakness handle was good and thanked his staff and the Stronach Group for having a successful weekend. He said they had a weather issue on Black Eyed Susan Day that caused a delay and the cancellation of the last race. He was proud of his team on how everything was handled and got people evacuated from the infield in a safe and timely manner. He advised that The Maryland Jockey Club Board had been formed. He informed the Commission that the new Board had a few meetings, and additional subcommittees would be formed. He concluded his report by saying the TMJC had great handle in April and May as well as tracking very well for June.

Chairman Mahoney asked Mr. Knauf about the artwork at Pimlico. Mr. Knauf answered by saying the Maryland State Archives were cataloging all the artwork and it would be moved out of Pimlico prior to construction. Commissioner Zavian asked about preserving the stake barns and if anything could be done. Mr. Knauf indicated that the barn was in bad shape, but they were trying to preserve the Secretariat stall.

EQUINE MEDICAL DIRECTOR REPORT

Executive Director Merz called on Equine Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Daniel to give the report. Dr. Daniel noted that there were two fatalities in April and one medical emergency in May that led to a fatality. She noted that the Pimlico meet was a very safe meet and said no injuries had occurred during racing or training. She concluded her report by saying that they are struggling to find veterinarians and the search is ongoing.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Executive Director Merz asked if there was any public comment. Hearing no one, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Wright seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 12:56 PM.

/s/ George Mahoney