May 2023 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN May 2023 Page 31 Maryland Creates Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority Five members of the MTROA will be appointed by the governor: one of two nominated by the MTHA; one of two nominated by the MHBA; and three other members who possess relevant industry, busi- ness or government experience (one in real estate or financial services). Others are the Chair or Executive Director of the both the MSA and MEDCO; one who is not an elected official appoint- ed by the Senate President; and one who is not an elected official appointed by the Speaker of the House. Three non-voting ex-officio members will be appointed by the governor: one who resides near Laurel, one who resides near Pimlico, and one who resides near the old Bowie Training Center, which is being given to the city of Bowie and University of Bowie. The other non-voting ex-officio member will come from the Maryland Racing Com- mission. The MRTOA on or before Dec. 1, 2023, must report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, House Appropri- ations Committee, and House Ways and Means Committee on “the feasibility of establishing at least two alternative Thorough- bred training centers in the state, a review of best practices for Thoroughbred racing industry operating models and recom- mendations for operating models in the state, and the progress of the Pimlico and Laurel Park racing facility redevelopment plans.” The Racing and Communi- ty Development Act authorized about $375 million in bonds to pay for the rebuilds of Laurel and Pimlico. That cost has almost doubled for multiple reasons, and it remains to be seen what the model will look like going forward. (Continued from page 26) The news East Coast horse owners need to know Get FREE copies of East Coast Equestrian to distribute at your event! Email steph@eastcoastequestrian. net at least 8 weeks before your event with the name and date, and we will ship you copies to distribute to exhibitors at no charge.