Minutes of Public Meeting - June 5, 2024

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) met in person and by conference call in open session at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park on June 5, 2024. At the start of the meeting, Chairman George Mahoney took a roll call of the Commission members and confirmed that all were present, except for Commissioner Ellen Zavian.

Minutes - May 7, 2024

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on April 2, 2024, and voted to approve them unanimously. Commissioner Tammy Lafferty abstained from the vote, as she was not present for the May meeting.

Maryland Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkin informed the Commission that on an annual basis the term for members on the Maryland Bred Fund Advisory Committee expire and the Commission appoints new members for the ensuing year. Mr. Hopkins reported that he had received an affirmation from Commissioner Terry West that she would volunteer as the Chairman of the Committee, Georganne Hale would represent the mile tracks, Albert F. Allen, III would represent the half mile track, William K. “Billy” Boniface and Kent Murry would represent the Maryland Horse Breeders and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association would submit their nomination at a later time. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the individuals as submitted.

Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reported to the members that Commissioner Tammy Lafferty had agreed to serve as the Chairman of the Standardbred Advisory Committee for the ensuing year and that he had not heard from the Maryland Standardbred Breeders as to the nominee would be to replace Tom Cooke who had recently passed away. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved Commissioner Lafferty as Chairman of the Committee.

Legislative Subcommittee.

Commissioner Lillis informed the Commission members that Commissioners Shawn Wright, Tammy Lafferty and Ellen Zavian has agreed to serve on the subcommittee and he would act as its Chairman. Mr. Lillis further commented that he would keep the other Commission members informed of any future discussions of the subcommittee.

Maryland Jockey Club.

Mike Rogers, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, reported that the Black Eyed Susan Day handle was up over 2023 and that the Preakness Day handle was slightly down, even though handle on the Preakness Stakes race was slightly more than the previous year. Mr. Rogers also reported that Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (“HISA”) had conducted its accreditation of Pimlico and granted it. Mr. Rogers also commented that he appreciated all of the pride, devotion and team work everyone put forth during Preakness week. Mr. Rogers also advised that he was working closely with Corey Johnson on the transition of operations from the Stronach Group to the Maryland Racetrack Operating Authority on January 1, 2025. He introduced Mr. Johnson to the Commission. Commissioner Lillis and Chairman Mahoney thanked Mr. Rogers for all that he has done for Maryland racing.

Public Comments.

Hearing no Public comments, Chairman Mahoney adjourned the meeting.

Next Commission Meeting.

Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Ocean Downs

/s/ George P. Mahoney, Jr.      

Chairman