Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority - Maryland Racing Commission

MINUTES OF PUBLIC MEETING

October 20, 2023

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating  Authority (“Authority”) met at 750 East Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD 21202 and by Google Meet in open session at 12:05 p.m. on October 20, 2023. Greg Cross introduced himself as the Chairman of the Authority. Chairman Cross confirmed there was a quorum, and all Authority members were present in person or participating by the Google Meet platform.

Opening Remarks
Chairman Cross started the meeting by welcoming the CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (“HISA”) Lisa Lazarus and Glen Kozak, a Senior Vice-President, Operations & Capital Project for the New York Racing Authority (“NYRA”).

Approval of Minutes for Open and Closed Session
A motion for approval of the October 6th Open Meeting minutes was requested by Chairman Cross and a motion was made by Alan Foreman to approve the minutes, which was seconded by Mary Tydings. Hearing no objection, the motion to approve the Open Meeting Minutes of October 6th passed unanimously.

A motion for approval of the October 6th Closed Meeting minutes was requested by Chairman Cross, and a motion was made by Alan Foreman to approve the minutes of the Closed Meeting, which was seconded by Mary Tydings. Hearing no objection, the motion to approve the Closed Meeting minutes of October 6th passed unanimously.

Presentation by The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
Chairman Cross introduced Lisa Lazarus of HISA and she gave a presentation concerning HISA’s role in thoroughbred racing, followed by questions from the Authority members and a discussion. The presentation and discussion have been made available for viewing on the Maryland Racing Commission website.

Presentation by Glen Kozak of the New York Racing Association
Chairman Cross introduced Glen Kozak and he gave a presentation about NYRA’s capital improvements at Belmont and his opinion on the future of track surfaces.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Chairman Cross and the Authority members asked questions of Mr. Kozak. The recording and presentation have been made available for viewing on the Maryland Racing Commission website.

Public Comment
Chairman Cross asked for public comments. April Smith, of Friends of Pimlico, commented that the current oval should remain the same at Pimlico.

Dr. Michael Harrison commented that he has a position paper published regarding thoroughbred safety and prevention practices that he would like to share with the Authority for review.

Cricket Goodall of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association recommended that the Authority members visit a Tapeta training facility. Chairman Cross indicated that he is scheduled to go the following day.

Closed Session
Chairman Cross advised the public that the Authority was going to be taking a vote to go into closed session to speak to the potential acquisition of real property and to consider investment of public funds, citing Section 3 305(b) (3) and (5) of the General Provisions Article. At 1:32 p.m. Chuck Tildon made the motion to go into closed session and Alan Foreman seconded the motion. The Authority unanimously went into closed session for discussion. The closed session adjourned at 3:02 p.m. with a motion to adjourn by Tom Sadowski, seconded by Lou Ulman and passed unanimously.

Next Commission Meeting
November 1, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Offices of “Venable LLP”.
/s/ Greg Cross
Chairman
Date:  November 1, 2023