May 2023 Issue

Page 26 May 2023 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association press release Legislation that will create the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, an entity that will participate in the development of racing and training facilities in the state, passed the state Senate by a 47-0 vote April 6 and the House of Representatives by a vote of 132-2 on April 10, the last day of the 2023 General Assembly session. If signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore—he is expected to do so—the legislation will take ef- fect June 1, one month before the end of an extended negotiating period for a new racing agree- ment among the Maryland Jockey Club, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Horse Breeders Asso- ciation. The 10-year racing agree- ment expired Dec. 31, 2022, and the negotiations were extended through June 30. The legislation also comes amid a lengthy delay in the redevelopment of Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course as authorized by the 2020 Racing and Community Development Act. The new MTROA would take the lead on that in conjunc- tion with the Maryland Stadium Authority. The House Ways and Means Committee on April 7 held a brief hearing on Senate Bill 720 and sent it to the full House with a favorable vote. MSA member Bill Cole, who has been involved in the racetrack redevelopment plan since 2019, briefed the committee on the bill. Cole said the MTROA will be similar to the MSA as a state agency and that, if necessary, would “prop up a new ownership group for racing and training” should the The Stronach Group (1/ST Racing), which owns the MJC, opt to exit Maryland racing. He said the legislation creates the framework to facilitate any new operating structure. “Clearly, there is a lot going on in this industry,” Cole said. The legislation states the MTROA will study and make recommendations it finds are in the best interests of Thorough- bred racing and develop new and existing racing and training facilities. If necessary, the au- thority will manage and oversee day-to-day racing operations and live racing days and, in coordination with the Maryland Economic Development Corp., acquire property for operations; enter into any agreements, leases, partnerships or contracts needed for pari-mutuel wagering and compliance with rules and regulations. The MTROA will be in place for four years and one month but, as noted during the commit- tee hearing, could be extended through statutory changes if necessary. Maryland Creates Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (Continued on page 31) Visit www.eastcoastequestrian.net today!