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Minutes of Public Meeting - September 24, 2020

Commission Members Present:

Michael Algeo
Emmet Davitt
David Hayden
Thomas Bowman
Ernie Grecco
Clarissa Coughlin
Konrad Wayson
Tammy Lafferty
Tom Winebrener

Members Absent:

Staff Present Representing the Maryland Racing Commission:

J. Michael Hopkins

Executive Director
Eric B. London
Assistant Attorney General

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) met by conference call in open session on September 24, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Mike Algeo informed the public that their phones should be muted, but he would give the public the opportunity to address the Commission during Public Comments. At the start of the meeting, Chairman Algeo took a roll call of the Commission members and verified that all members were present.

Minutes – August 27, 2020

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its August 27, 2020 meeting and voted unanimously to approve the minutes.

Cecil County Breeders Fair, Inc.

The Commission was presented with a request for eight racing days in 2021 from the Cecil County Breeders Fair, Inc. Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins explained to the Commission that Fair Hill historically would request to run on Memorial Day and ask for three other days, if needed. Mr. Hopkins further explained that with the Fair Hill Turf Course being completely reconstructed, it anticipated that the additional days could be used pending the availability of horses and purse money. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

2021 Racing Dates.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins requested that all other racing licensees have their 2021 racing day requests submitted to the Commission before the October 22, 2020 Public Meeting.

2021 Satellite Simulcast Betting Facility Permit Renewal.

By unanimous vote, the Commission approved a request to renew all nine Satellite Simulcast Betting Facility Permits submitted by the Maryland Jockey Club for calendar year 2021.

Maryland Jockey Club – Fall Race Meet Request.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins had previously provided the members of the Commission with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club for its Fall Race Meeting at Laurel Park. The Fall Race Meeting is scheduled to begin October 5, 2020 and continue through December 31, 2020, offering live racing Thursday through Sunday from October through November. Included in the request, were the standard operating requests, such as the simulcasting of their live product and importing races from outside the state. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Ocean Downs – Update.

Bobbi Sample, representing Ocean Downs, reported that the recently concluded race meeting had the highest percentage of Maryland horses running in races and the most purse money paid to Marylanders since she began working at Ocean Downs 10 years ago. Ms. Sample advised that handle was down due to restrictions caused by Covid-19. Ms. Sample also advised the Commission that Ocean Downs is looking forward to racing in 2021.

Maryland Jockey Club – Update.

Sal Sinatra reported that Maryland Jockey Club was in full swing in preparing for the Preakness. Mr. Sinatra thanked the Governor and Cricket Goodall for working with the Maryland Jockey Club in getting ready for the Maryland Million in October. Mr. Sinatra also reported that the MJC has hired Dr. Heidi Thomas as an association veterinarian, who will be available to observe horses during training hours and be available to assist the Commission veterinarians during live racing. Commissioner Hayden asked if owners were allowed to be on site for Preakness day. Mr. Sinatra responded that owners were allowed to be on site, but no food, beverage or wagering would be available at the track.

Public Comments.

Before allowing any public comments, Chairman Algeo congratulated Konrad Wayson for his reappointment to the Commission for another 4 years. Chairman Algeo then announced that he would be stepping down as Chairman after the Preakness and that Commissioner Emmet Davitt would serve as the new Chairman. Chairman Algeo reflected on a number of successes during his tenure including safety and welfare of the horses and jockeys and the legislative initiatives to preserve the industry. Further, Chairman Algeo thanked Governor Hogan for giving him the opportunity to serve. Chairman Algeo also thanked everyone in the industry that has assisted him during his time as Chairman. Chairman Algeo advised that he would still be on the Commission, but would no longer serve as Chairman. Chairman Algeo then asked Commissioner Emmet Davitt to say a few words. Commissioner Davitt commented that he was looking forward to serving as Chairman and working with everyone in Maryland racing.

Cricket Goodall, representing the Maryland Horse Breeders, thanked Chairman Algeo for his time and effort in serving the horse industry. Ms. Goodall also advised that October had been proclaimed “Horse Month” by the Governor, which provides marketing opportunities for all aspects of the horse industry. Tom Cooke, a Standardbred owner, expressed his thanks and support from the Standardbred industry to Chairman Algeo. Andy Cashman, representing the Maryland State Fair, thanked Chairman Algeo for his service and commented that the State Fair was holding a junior horse show, a livestock show, Fasig Tipton horse sales and a new Standardbred sale. Mr Cashman also advised that the OTB is doing very well. Alan Rifkin thanked Chairman Algeo for his service and willingness to work with the industry. Delegate Sandy Rosenberg commented that there was still four or five years to go with the reconstruction project for Laurel and Pimlico and noted that he was glad to hear that Chairman Algeo would still be serving on the Commission. Commissioner Grecco also thanked the Chairman for his service. Chairman Algeo thanked everyone for their comments.

Next Commission Meeting

The next Commission Meeting will be held on October 22, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. via a conference call or similar technology and that instructions for participation would be posted on the Racing Commission’s website.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director