Minutes of Public Meeting - December 14, 2021

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) met by conference call in open session at 12:30 p.m. on December 14, 2021. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Michael 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 with the exception of Commissioner Clarissa Coughlin.  Chairman Algeo commented that the meeting was to be narrowly focused on the update of the track surface at Laurel Park and to determine if the track is suitable for racing beginning on December 16, 2021.

Maryland Jockey Club – Laurel Park.

Mike Rogers, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, informed the Commission that 270 horses worked out over the track without incident since the previous Friday. Mr. Rogers also advised that approximately 1,200 tons of course sand have been added to the surface. In addition, Mr. Rogers stated that all of the Maryland Jockey Club’s experts and the horsemen’s expert were providing good feedback concerning the track surface, including comments from trainers and jockeys. Mike Rogers told the Commission that the track was ready for racing on Thursday, December 16, 2021.

Chairman Algeo invited Commission members to ask any questions of Mr. Rogers. Hearing none, Chairman Algeo opened the floor to industry stakeholders asking them for their comments. Tim Keefe, President of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, concurred with the comments made by Mike Rogers and advised that he also has received good feedback from other trainers and jockeys regarding the track surface. Jockey Xavier Perez commented that the track surface was 20 times better than it had been before the changes. Mr. Perez thanked the Commission for inviting the jockeys to the meeting to express their opinions. Jockey Victor Carrasco agreed with Mr. Perez about the track surface and expressed his concern that not all riders feel comfortable reporting issues. Jockey Richard Monterey, who gallops horse every morning, commented that the track was in great shape and thanked everyone for working together. Xavier Perez commented that jockeys have a difficult time pointing out horses with issues for concern they will lose the ride. Chairman Algeo responded that the riders have the full support of the Commission and encourage them to call with any concerns they have. Chris Bosley, the track superintendent, commented that all of the track personnel were working together and having discussions with the trainers and jockeys and listening to their suggestions to maintain the track surface in a safe manner. Glen Kozak, an expert for the Maryland Jockey Club, commented that the track was trending in the right direction.

Chairman Algeo asked Mr. Kozak if in his professional experience it was his belief that the track was safe for racing. Mr. Kozak responded that with the transition and addition of new materials on the grounds the surface was in very good condition for the horses and that it was safe to conduct racing on it. Dr. Heidi Thomas, an Association Veterinarian, said that she would be visiting the trainers and working with Dr. Libby Daniel, the Commission’s Equine Medical Director. Dr. Daniel thanked the jockeys on the call for their comments.  She also reminded trainers that there is a form to be submitted to her if a horse develops an issue, which would be kept confidential, but stressed the need to communicate the information. John Passero, the Horsemen’s expert, commented that the track was headed in the right direction.  He advised the Chairman that the track was safe to conduct live racing.

At the request of Chairman Algeo, Dr. Tom Bowman, the Chairman of the Safety and Welfare Committee, commented that transparency on the track is not always present, but it is necessary to understand when issues start to develop. Dr. Bowman continued by stating that a process would be developed to collect information and allow any concerns expressed by trainers and jockeys to be reported to the appropriate personnel. Commissioner Bowman indicated that there would be regular meetings established to review any concerns.

Chairman Algeo thanked everyone for their reports and stressed the need for the trainers, jockeys, veterinarians and all other stakeholders to report any issues to the appropriate personnel.   He reminded everyone that all stakeholders and the Commission are collectively working on keeping the safety and welfare of horses and jockeys in the forefront and is the top priority of the Commission.  Chairman Algeo indicated that no action had to be taken by the Commission and that racing would be allowed to go forward on December 16, 2021.

Next Commission Meeting.

January 4, 2022 at Laurel Park at 12:30 P.M.                                                                                   

Michael J. Algeo        

Chairman