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Minutes of Public Meeting - December 15, 2015

Commission Members Present:

John P. McDaniel, Chairman
Tammy Lafferty
David Hayden
Bruce Quade
Tom Winebrener
Dr. Thomas Bowman
Ernest Grecco
Charles Tildon
Mary Louise Preis

Members Absent:

 

Staff Present Representing the Maryland Racing Commission:

J. Michael Hopkins

Executive Director
Eric B. London
Assistant Attorney General

In accordance with the Notice of Public Meeting, as required by State Government Article, §10-506, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission ("Commission") met in open session on December 15, 2015 commencing at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland. Chairman McDaniel called the meeting to order and briefly commented on the agenda.

Minutes – November 17, 2015.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its November 17, 2015 meeting and voted unanimously to approve them.

Final approval Regulation 09.10.01.17

The Commission was informed that regulation 09.10.01.17 permitting the use of specific horse shoes by a horse participating in a turf race had been published in the Maryland Register for the required public comment period and having not received any comment, the regulation would require final adoption by the Commission. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the regulation for final adoption.

Maryland Jockey Club.

The Commission was provided with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club to increase the minimum wager on the Rainbow Pick Six from 10 cents to 20 cents and the Super High Five from 50 cents to $1.00. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Bred Fund.

The Maryland Bred Fund requested approval for a 30% bonus for breeders and 10% bonus to stallion owners through June 30, 2016. The Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Cricket Goodall, explained that the percentages requested were the same as current percentages being used to calculate the 2015 bonuses. In addition to the bonus percentages, the Maryland Bred Fund was also requesting approval of the winter stake schedule and purse enhancements in their open stakes. Commissioner Quade asked about the impact of the request on the Fund. Ms. Goodall commented that she was fairly confident in the projections, but would make adjustments if the projections were not being met in the second half of 2016. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the requests.

Ocean Downs.

The Commission approved a request from Ocean Downs to import and export the races they find marketable for calendar year 2016.

Rosecroft Raceway – Live Racing Schedule.

Rosecroft Raceway requested to amend their 2016 live racing schedule, which was previously approved by the Commission at its November meeting. The amended request is to have live racing on March 8, 2016 instead of Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Standardbred Race Fund 2016 Stake Schedule.

The Maryland Standardbred Race Fund requested approval for their 2016 stake schedule for Ocean Downs and Rosecroft Raceway. Administrator of the Fund, Cheri Stambaugh, commented that the 2016 stake schedule is similar to the 2015 schedule. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Follow Up – Laurel Condition Book.

The Commission was reminded that at the November meeting there was discussion regarding the number and types of two year old races offered at Laurel Park. At the meeting, Chairman McDaniel asked the parties to discuss the issue and present the results of those discussions to the Commission. General Manager of Laurel Park, Sal Sinatra, commented that after reviewing the condition book, the track realized that due to the extensive use of the turf course, the track overlooked the number of races available for two year olds and acknowledged the track would pay more attention to the issue in the ensuing year. Commissioner Hayden asked if any consideration would be given to provide preference races. Mr. Sinatra responded that the track would look into the issue.
Commissioner Quade commented that he had been informed that there were restricted races being held in Pennsylvania that would not affect a horse’s eligibility for an open race. As an example, a horse that wins a restricted race for “non-winners of a race other than” would still be eligible for an open “non-winners of a race other than”. Mr. Quade further commented that he was concerned that these types of races could give an unfair advantage. Trainer Tim Keefe responded that restricted races were helpful to trainers and owners and he did not see an advantage. Mr. Sinatra responded that restricted races would only apply to allowance races and that restricted races have helped in carding full fields.

Commission Attendance.

Assistant Attorney General Eric London, Counsel to the Commission, reminded the Commissioners that the requirement for attendance at meetings changed in 2014, requiring all members to attend two-thirds of the scheduled meetings on a rolling calendar in lieu of the previous requirement of attendance at half of the meetings in a calendar year. Mr. London indicated all Commission members were in good standing.

November VLT Report.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission members with the November VLT report, noting a slight decrease from previous months.

Public Comment.

Alan Foreman, counsel to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, informed the Commission that the MTHA was in negotiations with the tracks regarding the account wagering companies that operate in Maryland. Mr. Foreman also commented that an agreement between the track, breeders and horsemen is required for the companies to continue to operate in Maryland. Bob Lillis of the Horsemen’s Assistance Fund informed the Commission that Howard “Gelo” Hall, a well-recognized participant in Maryland horse racing, had passed away. Chairman McDaniel thanked Mr. Lillis and provided a moment of silence for Mr. Hall. Chairman McDaniel also noted the passing of Jack Mosner who had been a member of the Commission and its Chairman. After several positive comments related to Mr. Mosner Chairman McDaniel provided a moment of silence for his passing as well. Thoroughbred owner Conrad Wayson thanked the Commission for looking into the two year old races and condition book issue.

Next Commission Meeting.

The next Commission meeting will be held on January 19, 2016 in the Clubhouse at Laurel Park, Laurel, MD 20725.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director