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Minutes of Public Meeting - June 10, 2026

DATE: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
TIME: 12:30 PM
PLACE: Laurel Park, Tycoons Lounge

PRESENT:

  • Chairwoman Nicole Earle
  • Commissioner Tammy Lafferty
  • Commissioner Bobby Lillis
  • Commissioner Kirsten Green
  • Commissioner Ellen Zavian
  • Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Wright (Virtual)
  • Commissioner Terry West
  • Commissioner George Mahoney
  • Commissioner Shawn Wright

COMMISSION STAFF:

  • Executive Director Christopher Merz
  • Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Sigman

ABSENT:

  • None

OTHERS:

  • Bill Knauf, The Maryland Jockey Club
  • Lisa Watts, Rosecroft Raceway
  • Cricket Goodall, Maryland Horse Breeders
  • David Gordon, Timonium State Fair
  • Kathy Rosenberger, Stable Footing

In accordance with § 3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission” or “MRC”) met in person and by the Google Meet platform in open session at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park. Chairwoman Nicole Earle took a roll call of the Commission members and confirmed there was a quorum.

Approval of Minutes of May 13, 2026

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on May 13, 2026. Chairwoman Earle asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Zavian made the motion. Commissioner Lafferty seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Commission Aftercare Subcommittee

Commissioner Zavian asked for an explanation of what the aftercare subcommittee would entail. Executive Director Merz gave an overview of why an aftercare subcommittee was needed. Mr. Merz stated that this would be in response to a recent bill that passed through the Maryland General Assembly earlier in the year and would be responsible for making regulations that prohibit the slaughter of racehorses and racehorse breeding stock.

Commissioner Green commented that the forming of this committee demonstrates to the public the Commission’s commitment to the horse, which is critical in preserving racing’s social license to operate. She went on to say this subcommittee would be reaching out to stakeholders to work with them on proper ways to retire horses and advise them what programs are available, and would leverage the experience of aftercare professionals to develop the regulations.

Chairwoman Earle ask for a motion to create the aftercare subcommittee. Commissioner Green made the motion. Commissioner Shawn Wright seconded, and the motion passed.

Chairwoman Earle asked for a motion to nominate Commissioners to serve on the aftercare subcommittee. Commissioner George Mahoney nominated Commissioners Kirsten Green, Tammy Lafferty and Dr. Jennifer Wright to serve on the subcommittee. Commissioner Shawn Wright seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission that two members of the Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee needed to be appointed. Mr. Merz indicated that the Chairperson for this Committee is a Commissioner and the term is one year. He noted Commission Lafferty has been the Chairwoman for the past several years and would like to volunteer for another year as Chair.

Chairwoman Earle asked for a motion to appoint Commissioner Lafferty Chair of the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Green seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Merz brought to the attention of the Commission that member James Ladwig’s term had ended. Terms for the advisory committee are four years, and Mr. Ladwig was recommended for another four-year term. Chairwoman Earle asked for a motion to have Mr. Ladwig reappointed to the committee for a four-year term. Commission Green made the motion. Commission Shawn Wright seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Maryland Jockey Club Request for Summer Meeting

Executive Director Merz informed the Commission that he received a request from The Maryland Jockey Club for racing dates in the summer. Mr. Merz said the request was for 62 days of simulcast racing from July 1, 2026, through August 27, 2026, and August 31, 2026, through September 3, 2026.

Chairwoman Earle asked for a motion to approve The Maryland Jockey Club request for the Laurel Park Summer Meet. Commissioner Zavian made the motion. Commissioner West seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Rosecroft Raceway Update

Lisa Watts gave an update on Rosecroft Raceway. Ms. Watts informed the Commission that the Rosecroft meet came to an end on May 16. The leading trainer for the meet was Mike Hall and the leading driver was Jonathan Roberts. Ms. Watts informed the Commission that she would turn in race dates for their Fall meet in August. On a sad note, she told the Commission that long time Rosecroft and Commission employee Mary Horn had passed away.

The Maryland Jockey Club Update

Bill Knauf gave the Commission an update for The Maryland Jockey Club. Mr. Knauf reported that Preakness weekend went very well and he thank his staff and 1/st racing for an excellent job. He noted that tv ratings for the Preakness were the highest in five years. Mr. Knauf reported that Fair Hill racing was a success despite having to cancel the Sunday flat racing card. He and his team are looking forward to working with the Fair Hill group again in the future. Mr. Knauf informed the Commission that TMJC was having a handicapping tournament coming up for De Francis Dash Day on Saturday, June 27.

Mr. Knauf concluded his update by telling the Commission that he had recently toured Pimlico and the barns had been erected and covered. Backstretch work was moving quickly, and the first phase of the tunnel construction was nearing completion.

Chairwoman Earle and Commissioner Mahoney congratulated Mr. Knauf and his team for a great Preakness and their commitment to running races at Fair Hill.

Equine Medical Director Report

Equine Medical Director Dr. Daniel have her report. She reported a sudden death fatality on Black Eyed Susan day and said that a mortality review for the incident was taking place on June 25. She said despite this, Preakness weekend was safe and that she was very happy with the teamwork everyone showed.

Public Comment

Chairwoman Earle thanked Governor Moore for appointing her to Chair the Commission. She is looking forward to working with all stakeholders, is planning to meet with all stakeholder to establish healthy relationships, and wants to make sure the industry legacy continues and strengthens. She thanked Commission Mahoney for his service as Chairman and thanked Commissioner Terry West for her time on the Commission.

Commissioner Mahoney, thanked Governor Moore for the opportunity to be Chairman. Commissioner Mahoney also thanked all stakeholders and everyone in the room. He noted he looks forward to continuing working with everyone in the industry and is excited to serve another term on the Commission.

Cricket Goodall, Maryland Horse Breeders Association, congratulated Nicole Earle on her appointment. Ms. Goodall told the Commission about the Maryland Horse Career Program that they hosted the previous week and said that it was a major success. She said that the Maryland Yearling Show was taking place on June 28 and Trainer Ron Moquett would be a judge.

David Gordon, Maryland State Fair, told the Commission that the recent two year old sale was a great success. Over 600 horses worked over the track safely and a record breaking $53 million was spent at the sale.

Gina Maybee, Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners’ Association, was excited to announce that they presented two future college students with scholarships. One student was going to George Mason and the other was going to Salisbury.

Kathy Rosenberger, Stable Footing, talked about her charitable organization that helps backstretch workers that have retired from racing. Her organization is just getting started and they are working hard to get donations and working with the racetrack chaplain to identify anyone that has fallen between the cracks.

Hearing no other comments, Chairwoman Earle asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Lillis made the motion. Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Wright seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

s/Nicole Earle/s