Minutes of Public Meeting - September 15, 2015

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 September 15, 2015 commencing at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland.

Minutes – July 21, 2015.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its July 21, 2015 meeting and voted unanimously to approve them.

Horsemen’s Health System.

The Executive Director of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA), David Richardson, advised the Commission that the MTHA and Maryland Jockey Club have contracted with Med Star Sports Medicine to provide medical coverage for the jockeys as well as a primary care facility for backstretch workers on site, beginning on September 12, 2015. Mr. Richardson further advised that this form of medical care was unique to thoroughbred racing and hoped it would serve as a model for other racing jurisdictions.

Mr. Richardson introduced Dr. Frank Dawson, the Medical Director of the Med Star program, which is providing the service to the horsemen and jockeys. Dr. Dawson commented that the he appreciated the opportunity to address the Commission and explained that his team was the same that provides medical coverage to local universities and colleges, the Baltimore Marathon as well as professional sports teams, including the Baltimore Ravens. In addition, he commented that all of his staff are trained in sports medicine as well as primary care and provide a high level of expertise in head injuries, including concussions.

Chairman Quade asked for a comparison between the old and new system. David Richardson responded by saying that the new system will provide an entire health system, which was not available before, including non-race day coverage and electronic records that will be available at any Med Star facility. Commissioner Mary Louise Preis asked about the cost of the program. Mr. Richardson responded that the cost is estimated to be the same as the old system and possibly less, but providing much greater service. Chairman Quade acknowledged David Richardson for his hard work in putting this program together.

Rosecroft Fall Race Meet.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins explained to the Commission that Rosecroft had sent their description of the forthcoming race meeting including officials, number of races and wagering formats. Mr. Hopkins further explained to the Commission that no approval was necessary and that it was for informational purposes only. Chairman Quade asked Lisa Watts, representing Rosecroft, about the underpayment in the purse account. Ms. Watts responded that Rosecroft planned to reduce the underpayment in the purse account by increasing purses by approximately 10% per race.

Maryland State Fair.

General Manager Andy Cashman of the Maryland State Fair reported that the recently completed race meet resulted in an increased handle of 25%. Mr. Cashman also commented that approximately 15,000 people went through the Horse Fair Exhibit, which had a horse of every genre in the State.

Ocean Downs Raceway.

General Manager Peter Szymanski of Ocean Downs reported that the recently concluded race meet at Ocean Downs included 550 races during the 48 day period, quality horses, increase field sizes, an increase in handle by 28% and the highest pay out in purses in track history. Commissioner Preis asked what contributed to the successful race meet. Mr. Szymanski responded that the quality of the horses, full fields, marketing and the weather were all factors in the success of the meet.

Maryland Jockey Club - Racing Facility Redevelopment Fund.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins advised the Commission that he had received a request from the Maryland Jockey Club for reimbursement of $597,158.00. Mr. Hopkins also advised that the request had been reviewed by the Commission’s Certified Public Account and were deemed to be appropriate expenses. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Tim Ritvo, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, commented that the recently concluded summer race meet, the first in over ten years at Laurel, was successful. Mr. Ritvo advised that the field size increased to ten horses, which resulted in an increase in handle. Further, Mr. Ritvo commented that all of the roofs on the groom facilities are being replaced. Commissioner David Hayden asked if the new Horsemen’s Health System was in place at the other Stronach tracks. Mr. Ritvo stated that Maryland was first to implement the current Horsemen’s Health System and that it should be the gold standard for every other racetrack in the country. Mr. Ritvo also stated that the Maryland Jockey Club has installed a number of new flat screen televisions for over $1,000,000.00. He noted that the Maryland Jockey Club was looking forward to future improvements, including a possibile new Off Track Betting facility at Timonium. Chairman Quade suggested that the Commission schedule a tour of Laurel Racetrack to see all of the improvements.

Chairman Quade also expressed his concern regarding the three day race week and asked that the schedule be reviewed to enable as much racing opportunity as possible. For the past several years, the Fall Meet had four racing days. Mr. Ritvo advised the Commission that the Maryland Jockey Club would continue to examine the best racing schedule.

Advanced Deposit Wagering.

Craig Gegorek, representing the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, reported that he was reviewing the agreements between the horsemen, track and Advanced Deposit Wagering companies and would report back to the Commission when his review was complete.

Maryland Bred Fund.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reported that he had received a request from the Maryland Bred Fund Advisory Committee requesting that the percentage used to disburse bonus awards from Maryland Million Day be 15% for Breeder and 5% for stallion awards, which are the same bonuses as 2014. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Regulations Final.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the Commission that the regulation restricting the use of Cobalt salts had met its required publishing time and the Commission could consider it for final adoption. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the regulation for final adoption.

Regulations Proposed.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with two proposed regulations addressing the use of specific types of horse shoes on the turf courses at Laurel and Pimlico and establishing a threshold for gamma amino butyric acid, which is commonly called GABA or Carolina Gold and used as a quick acting sedative. Hearing no objections, the Commission unanimously approved both requests as proposed.

Video Lottery Revenue - Report.

J. Michael Hopkins provided the Commission with a chart indicting all of the revenue generated by VLT facilities for the purse dedication account and bred funds since the first facility came online in September 2010.

Todd Grala – International Horse Park Designer.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins introduced Todd Grala, who represents Populous, which is the world’s largest sports facility architect. Mr. Grala provided the Commission with an overview of his company’s accomplishments. The Commission thanked Mr. Grala for his presentation.

Public Comment.

Mr. Conrad Wayson, a horse owner, expressed his concern over the recent track rule, which requires a trainer to have permission to ship a horse from one of the Maryland tracks and run at an out of state thoroughbred track. Mr. Wayson was concerned about the collection of data. Chairman Quade suggested that at this time the issue would be between the horsemen and tracks. Mr. Ritvo commented that he would be willing to discuss the matter with Mr. Wayson, but it should come through the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. Commissioner Tom Bowman commented that he had received a complaint regarding the same issue and that it should be discussed between the tracks and horsemen.

Demelza McMahon, a trainer, questioned the use of the Truesdail Laboratory by the Commission, based on recent reports of the Laboratory failing to find positive test results and since only four positives had been found in Maryland in 2015. Chairman Quade responded that there had been more positives (later determined to be 16) and that the Commission could not act on rumors. Chairman Quade recommended that Ms. McMahon speak with the Executive Director if she was aware of any facts concerning illegal drug use.

Next Commission Meeting.

The next Commission meeting will be held on October 20, 2015 in the Clubhouse at Laurel Park, Laurel, MD 20725.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director