Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Minutes of Public Meeting - May 13, 2026

DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
TIME: 12:30 PM
PLACE: Laurel Park, Tycoons Lounge

PRESENT:

  • Chairman George Mahoney
  • Commissioner Tammy Lafferty
  • Commissioner Bobby Lillis
  • Commissioner Kirsten Green
  • Commissioner Ellen Zavian (Virtual)
  • Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Wright
  • Commissioner Terry West
  • Executive Director Christopher Merz
  • Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Sigman

ABSENT:

  • Commissioner Nicole Earle

OTHERS:

  • Bill Knauf, The Maryland Jockey Club
  • Lisa Watts, Rosecroft Raceway
  • John Robb, Trainer
  • Anne Litz, Maryland Horse Industry Board
  • David Richardson, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association
  • Alan Foreman, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association

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 Meet 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 there was a quorum. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Mahoney thank Konrad Wayson for his service on the Commission and introduced Kirsten Green as the new Commissioner.

Approval of Minutes of April 8, 2026

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on April 8, 2026. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner West seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Executive Director Report

Anne Litz, the Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Boad, informed the commission of a Maryland horse industry tour for representatives from the EU. Ms. Litz informed the Commission that the tour covered Pimlico, the Maryland Horse Library, Fair Hill and other Maryland horse industry sectors. The EU delegation was very impressed with the Maryland horse industry and looked forward to strengthening its ties with Maryland.

Executive Director Merz gave an update to the Commission regarding the procedures and personnel in place during Preakness Week. Mr. Merz highlighted having 10 veterinarians on the grounds and support from the Organization of Racing Investigators to help with chain of custody procedures and integrity enforcement.

Approval of the AmWest Entertainment LLC ADW

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission he received a request from The Maryland Jockey Club to grant permission to have AmWest Entertainment LLC do business in the state of Maryland. Mr. Merz informed the Commission that the contract between the two entities had been completed and was up to the Racing Commission standards. Having no questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the ADW contract between The Maryland Jockey Club and AmWest Entertainment LLC. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner West seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Preakness Bonus

Executive Director Merz asked the Commissioners to take a vote on the Preakness Bonus. The bonus is $500,000 to a Maryland Bred/Sired horse who wins the Preakness Stakes. Mr. Merz said this bonus is authorized under Section 11-403(b) of the Business Regulation Article. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the bonus. Commissioner Lafferty made the motion. Commissioner West seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Rule Pack One: A. 09.10.02.24 Offciails B. 09.10.01.45 Stewards C. 09.10.04.04 Appeal of Stewards’ or Judges Decisions D. 09.10.04.06 Adjudicatory Hearings / 09.10.04.07 Reciprocity E. 09.10.03.02 Sanctions

Executive Director Merz presented a set of rule changes to the Commission that Commission staff and stakeholders have been working on. These rule changes include modernizing language, strengthening the reciprocity language, raising the maximum on sanctions by increasing the maximum fine and length of suspensions. Mr. Merz informed the Commission that the next step would be to send it to the Maryland Department of Labor legislative team for review then it would go to public comment. He would inform the Commission when this happens. Hearing no questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the rule package. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Lafferty seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Rosecroft Raceway Update

Lisa Watts gave an update on Rosecroft Raceway. Ms. Watts told the Commission that the meet was set to conclude on May 16. They had run a total of 421 races and had 3500 horses participate. She ended her report by saying handle was flat for the meet.

The Maryland Jockey Club Update

Bill Knauf gave the Commission an update for The Maryland Jockey Club. Mr. Knauf reported that they had a great Preakness Preview Day that handled over $5 million. He noted that on Mother’s Day they had over 900 reservations and had good attendance. He noted that in early May they hosted the National Thoroughbred League at the track along with Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. He was very excited about the Preakness card and his team was getting ready for Preakness Day. He ended his report by saying that his team and the Fair Hill team were working closely to put on a good racing card at Fair Hill later in the month.

Public Comment

Cricket Goodall, Maryland Horse Breeders Association, commented that the horse farm tours on Mother’s Day were a great success. They had over 2,000 people visit breeding farms across Maryland. She also made everyone aware that the 2yo in training sale would be happening the Monday and Tuesday following Preakness.

John Robb, Trainer, read from a prepared statement that outlined his grievances with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

David Richardson, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, refuted some of Mr. Robb’s claims.

Alan Foreman, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, said that the organization hired outside counsel to handle the claims Mr. Robb had brought forward and the organization had been served with a lawsuit.

Hearing no other comments, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner West seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

s/George Mahoney/s