Minutes of Public Meeting - September 10, 2025

DATE: September 10, 2025

TIME: 12:30 PM

PLACE: Laurel Park, Tycoons Lounge

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 either in person or virtually, except Commissioner Terry West. Chairman Mahoney thanked Bill Knauf and his staff at Laurel Park for hosting the Commission Meeting at Laurel Park.

Approval of Minutes of August 13, 2025

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on August 13, 2025. Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Earle seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Executive Director Report

Executive Director Christopher Merz informed the Commission that he had received two applications for the state veterinarian position. He said the interviews will be conducted over the week of September 26 and would inform the Commission if the interviews lead to a hire.

Executive Director Merz concluded his report by telling the Commission that work with leaders within the Maryland horse industry was ongoing and they were making strides to make the horse ecosystem better. He said that he has a meeting with the Executive Directors from Delaware and Virginia on September 18 to begin discussions on rule unification between the three states. Mr. Merz said he will keep the Commission informed on how talks progress.

Maryland Bred Race Fund Bonus Percentage Recommendations

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission he received a letter from The Maryland Horse Breeders Association about race fund bonus percentages required by statute. Mr. Merz informed the Commission that the request is identical to the request that was approved by the Commission in February. Assistant Attorney General Eric London inquired if the request included percentages for Maryland Million. Mr. Merz informed Mr. London that the request reflected the percentages for Maryland Million. Hearing no further questions, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to approve the Maryland Bred Race Fund Bonus Percentages. Commissioner Wayson made the motion. Commissioner Jennifer Wright seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Maryland Bred/Sired Summer Bonus And Stakes Update

Executive Director Merz updated the Commission regarding the out of state bonus percentage program and the combined Maryland Bred/Sired and Virginia Bred/Sired stakes program that was passed at the April meeting. Mr. Merz indicated that 230 Maryland Bred horses qualified for the out of state bonus program for owners and developers. Eight stake races had been run since the approval of the stake schedule. Mr. Merz articulated that of the eight races run, six Maryland Bred/Sired horses had won with only two Virginia Bred/Sired winning a stake. Further, of the $950,000 in stake money that was offered across the eight races run, $684,000 had gone to Maryland Bred horses with $266,000 going to Virginia horses. Concluding his recap, Mr. Merz informed the Commission that of the 71 entries in the eight stake races, 58 of the 71 or 82% had been Maryland Bred/Sired Horses.

Commission Zavian had asked if there was any complaint regarding travel to Delaware or Virginia. Mr. Merz said he did not hear of or receive any complaints regarding travel to other jurisdictions.

Timonium Update

There was no update and the agenda item was tabled.

Fair Hill Update

Trish Brown from the Department of Natural Resources gave an update regarding racing that was conducted at Fair Hill on August 30th. She said the turf course held its condition over the course of six flat races. She said she received feedback from the riders and trainers that the turf course was good and the track crossings on the turf course did not cause an issue during racing. Ms. Brown concluded her report by saying that attendance was estimated to be around 4,000 people and they were looking forward to Steeplechase racing on Memorial Day Weekend.

Chairman Mahoney thanked Ms. Brown, the National Steeplechase Association, Sports Corp and the rest of the Fair Hill team for having a successful event. He stressed that moving forward, Fair Hill needed to get with other industry stakeholders to navigate racing dates, so no overlap occurs.

Commission Lillis echoed Chairman Mahoney’s comments and said it was an excellent day of racing, and he look forward to racing at Fair Hill in 2026.

Ocean Downs Update

Executive Director Merz called on Bobbi Jones for an update on Ocean Downs. Ms. Jones started her report by saying that Ocean Downs had run 575 races with 109 of them being restricted to Maryland Bred horses and 421 of those races were Maryland Bred preferred. She continued her report by stating they averaged 7.6 starters a race and they gave out a total of $4.7 Millon in purse money. Of that amount, she said 66% was given to Maryland bred horses. She concluded her report by saying Ocean City had a dip in tourism this year that negatively affected their handle, but thanked her marketing team for their tremendous job with promoting Ocean Downs and outreach.

The Maryland Jockey Club Update

Executive Director Merz called on Bill Knauf to give the report. Mr. Knauf started his report by announcing they hired Dr. John Connick as a new veterinarian. He will work closely with The Maryland Jockey Club (“TMJC”) head veterinarian Dr. Rivest and the Maryland Racing Commission moving forward. Mr. Knauf advised that TMJC will be hosting a variety of events for their fall meet, which includes food trucks, cigar lunches, Maryland Million and a handicapping tournament. Mr. Knauf was particularly proud of their Sunday Brunch promotion that was rolled out during the tracks dark period in July and August. TMJC will continue this promotion on Sundays going forward. Mr. Knauf concluded his report by stating the TMJC received HISA accreditation for the next two years.

Chairman Mahoney asked Mr. Knauf if he had concern over the cost of HISA. Mr. Knauf responded by saying they are in full support of HISA and early projections indicate Maryland’s fee would be lower than last year. He did stress there was concern moving forward, because unlike other states TMJC’s funding sources were minimal.

Equine Medical Director Report

Executive Director Merz called on Equine Medical Director, Dr. Elizabeth Daniel, for her report. Dr. Daniel started her report by saying they had no fatalities during training in the month of August. There were also no racing fatalities at the Timonium State Fair. She concluded her report by stating there was a fatality in the saddling area at Timonium, and she thanked staff, trainers, jockeys and security for their help with the situation.

Public Comment

Cricket Goodall from the Maryland Horse Breeders Association announced that tickets for Maryland Million were selling out fast. She urged people to reach out to her for table reservations or sponsorship opportunities. She said she would share the list of breeder rewards that will start being paid out next week with the Commission while racing was dark in Maryland.

David Richardson from the Maryland Thoroughbred Breeders Association said the bonus report has gone final and sent out to their entire organization via email and newsletter. He said it did take time for Maryland trainers to catch on to the incentive, but said the program was an overall success.

Lisa Watts from Rosecroft Raceway announced that their fall meet would begin on Monday September 15, 2025.

Commissioner Wayson acknowledged that the stake and out-of-state bonus program was a great success. He noted that the more spirited individuals who were against this idea in the April Commission meeting ended up getting the most bonus money.

Hearing no further comment, Chairman Mahoney asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commission Zavian made the motion, Commissioner Earle seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:01 PM.

/s/ George Mahoney