Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Minutes of Public Meeting - March 15, 2016

Commission Members Present:

John P. McDaniel, Chairman
Tammy Lafferty
David Hayden
Charles Tildon
Tom Winebrener
Dr. Thomas Bowman
Bruce Quade

Members Absent:

Ernest Grecco
Mary Louise Preis

Staff Present Representing the Maryland Racing Commission:

J. Michael Hopkins

Executive Director
Eric B. London
Assistant Attorney General

In accordance with the Notice of Public Meeting, as required by §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) met in open session on March 15, 2016 commencing at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland. Chairman John McDaniel called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for attending.

Minutes – February 16, 2016.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its February 16, 2016 meeting and voted unanimously to approve them.

President Ed Martin, Association of Racing Commissioners International.

Chairman John McDaniel introduced Ed Martin, President of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), as part of the Commission’s initiative to provide monthly education to its members and the public. Mr. Martin explained that ARCI provides its members with services for licensing data, best practices for all racing jurisdictions and breeds, model rules, tote standards, national licensing and services for the Organization of Racing Investigators. Mr. Martin further explained that drug testing in the racing industry is being compared to human sports, but there are differences in the level of testing. For example, in human sports there are a number of drugs/medications allowed to be taken by athletes, so long as they have received a therapeutic use exemption (TUE). Mr. Martin commented that when TUE’s are granted, the medications are not disclosed to the public. In the horse racing industry, TUE’s are prohibited. Mr. Martin also commented that there is proposed federal legislation that would take the drug testing away from racing commissions in North America and put testing in the hands of a private entity with no experience in horse racing. As Commissions are best suited to perform their own drug testing, Mr. Martin opined that this legislation, if approved, would be a set-back for the racing industry. ARCI and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) work collectively developing medication policies that are being adopted on a national basis. Lastly, Mr. Martin commented that ARCI was in the process of holding “Town Hall” meetings across the country inviting anyone with an interest in racing to attend and discuss their concerns. As a result, ARCI will compile the information received and meet with industry stakeholders to develop responses.

Ratification – Telephone Poll – Satellite Simulcast Betting Permit.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins explained to the Commission that on February 16, 2016, at the February public meeting, Chairman John McDaniel stated that in regard to the off track betting permit requested by the Maryland Jockey Club at the Maryland State Fair there would be no further public comment, as the Commission had held two meetings regarding the issue and the Commission had the opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Hopkins reminded the Commission that due to unresolved permits issues, health inspections, zoning issues and potential gaming at the State Fair, the Commission did not vote on the matter until the aforementioned issues were resolved and the documentation had been received by the Commission. On February 22, 1016, all of the documentation had been received and provided individually to each Commission member. Having provided the information to each member, the Executive Director called each Commission member individually and the members voted seven to approve the permit with two abstentions. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously ratified the telephone poll.

Medication Review Committee.

Commissioner Dr. Tom Bowman reported that he has selected his committee members; Dr. John Sivick, Dr. William Riddle, Dr. Kathy Anderson, Owner Robert Manfuso, Trainer Rodney Jenkins, Trainer Graham Motion, Trainer Tim Keefe, Sal Sinatra (President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club), Commissioner David Hayden and Commissioner Tom Winebrenner. Dr. Bowman also commented he would be scheduling meetings with his committee after the Mid-Atlantic Uniform Medication Program met at Delaware Park on March 17, 2016.

Maryland Jockey Club Laurel and Spring Race Meetings.

The Commission was presented with a number of requests from Laurel for its spring race meeting beginning April 1, 2016 through May 8, 2016. Mr. Hopkins noted that there were no differences with the request that were currently taking place at Laurel Park. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the requests.

The Commission was also asked to approve requests from the Maryland Jockey Club for the Pimlico spring meeting to be run from May 9, 2016 through June 26, 2016. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request as well.

Maryland Jockey Club – Pimlico Stake Schedule.

The Commission unanimously approved the Pimlico stake schedule for the May 9, 2016 through June 26, 2016 race meeting.

Maryland Jockey Club – Racing Facility Redevelopment Fund.

The Commission was presented with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club asking for reimbursement of $801,471.00 from the Racing Facility Redevelopment Fund. Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the Commission that the request had been reviewed by the Commission’s Certified Public Accountant. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Jockey Club-Update.

Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, advised the Commission that the Maryland Jockey Club was in the process of applying for a Satellite Simulcast Betting facility permit in Boonsboro. He indicated that the community and legislators had been advised of the permit application and he had received positive feedback about the facility.

Commissioner David Hayden commented that the addition of the Maryland flag on the saddle towels of Maryland Bred horses was a good idea and a great marketing tool. Mr. Sinatra indicated that he had used State flags at other jurisdictions and that they had been well received.

Eric London, Counsel to the Commission, noted that the Maryland Jockey Club was advertising on Top 40 radio stations. Mr. Sinatra indicated that the Maryland Jockey Club was trying to reach a younger demographic and had also developed an arcade area for kids.

Chairman John McDaniel commented that he had recently asked Commissioner David Hayden to review the public relations and promotions of the racing industry. Commissioner Hayden responded that he had attended his first meeting earlier in the day with the Horse Industry Board and was looking forward to attending more meetings and reporting back to the Commission.

Trainer Jerry Robb addressed the Commission with a complaint about the condition book at Laurel Park. Mr. Robb complained that the condition book does not provide adequate opportunities for trainers to enter and run horses for their owners. Owner Conrad Wayson also expressed his concerns over the condition book. Chairman John McDaniel explained to both Mr. Robb and Mr. Wayson that a structure did exist within the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA), through its purse committee, to address their concerns. Mr. McDaniel also suggested that they have a discussion with the committee and make suggestions in regard to the condition book. Further, Chairman McDaniel, while being sympathetic with their concerns, indicated that the Commission meeting was not the appropriate venue to address their concerns, as it appeared to be a matter for the MTHA.

Legislative Update.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reported that the proposed legislation allowing Arabian racing at Fair Hill, purse incentives for Maryland Breds participating in the Preakness and purse money for the “Maryland International” appeared to be moving forward in Annapolis. Mr. Hopkins also noted that the proposed legislation introduced by Delegate West, which would prohibit Satellite Simulcast Betting (SSB) at Timonium, was supposed to be withdrawn and his other bill regarding public notice for public comment regarding SSB’s has been amended.

February VLT Report.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission members with the February VLT report.

Public Comment.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins commented that he would be calling the Commission members to determine their availability to conduct and attend a public hearing for the proposed Satellite Simulcast Betting facility in Boonsboro. Mr. Hopkins also stated he believed the public hearing would be scheduled either for the first or second week of April

Commissioner Tammy Lafferty commented that racing on Sundays at Rosecroft had provided an increase in handle, making the schedule change an improvement.

Chairman John McDaniel commented the he and Commissioner Bruce Quade had been having discussions with the Maryland Stadium Authority in regard to an analysis to determine the economic viability of Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness. Commissioner Quade stated that as part of its continuing program to revitalize the Maryland Horse Racing Industry, the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC), in cooperation with its stakeholders has engaged the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of Pimlico Race Course. The purpose of the study is to provide information and analysis to guide the State in its potential support to renovate or rebuild Pimlico Race Course as a permanent home for the Preakness. Commissioner Quade further commented that the study should be completed within the next 12 months.

Cricket Goodall and Bobby Lillis commented that the Horse Industry Day held in Annapolis on February 23, 2016 was very well attended and successful.

Next Commission Meeting.

The next Commission meeting will be held on April 19, 2016 in the Clubhouse at Laurel Park, Laurel, MD 20725.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director