Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority - Maryland Racing Commission

MINUTES OF PUBLIC MEETING

October 6, 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 12:04 p.m. on October 6, 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 thanking the Authority members for keeping up with the pace of meetings as well as the Horsemen and Breeders for taking the time to prepare for and present at the meeting.

Approval of Minutes for Open and Closed Session

A motion for approval of the September 29th Open Meeting minutes was requested by Chairman Cross after a typographical error was corrected, and a motion was made by Lou Ulman to approve the minutes, which was seconded by Alan Foreman. Hearing no objection, the motion to approve the Open Meeting Minutes of September 29th passed unanimously.

A motion for approval of the September 29th Closed Meeting minutes was requested by Chairman Cross, and a motion was made by Lou Ulman 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 September 29th passed unanimously.

Presentation by The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association

Chairman Cross asked Alan Foreman, Tim Keefe and David Richardson to introduce themselves and thanked them for their time. David Richardson began the presentation, followed by Tim Keefe and Alan Foreman. The recording and presentation have been made available for viewing on the Maryland Racing Commission website.

Presentation by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association

Chairman Cross asked Cricket Goodall and Kent Murray to introduce themselves and thanked them for their time. Their presentation began with an introduction by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, their scope, history, interests, and challenges.

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

Public Comment

Chairman Cross asked for public comments. Bill Reightler indicated that the industry needed to do a better job with promotion as well as getting younger people more engaged in the industry.

Dr. Michael Harrison, an equine veterinarian, spoke to waning public trust in horse racing overall and the need for improved data collection in Maryland racing to mitigate risks for horse safety.

Katie Voss, a trainer, wanted to clarify that horsemen prefer more days of racing for less purse money than fewer racing days for more purse money, as this would lead to more money staying in Maryland.

Closed Session
Chairman Cross advised the public that the Authority was going to be taking a vote to go into closed session to consult with staff regarding IT security related issues, citing Section 3 305(b) (15), of the General Provisions Article. At 2:54 p.m., Mary Tydings made the motion to go into closed session and Alan Foreman seconded the motion. The Authority unanimously went into closed session and the Authority discussed IT Security issues. The closed session adjourned at 3:05 p.m. with a motion to adjourn by Mary Tydings, seconded by Lou Ulman and passed unanimously.

Next Commission Meeting
October 20, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Offices of “Venable LLP”.
/s/ Greg Cross
Chairman
Date:  October 20, 2023