MD Commission approves Ocean Downs dates

The Maryland Racing Commission at its April 4 meeting approved requests from Ocean Downs Casino for operation of its 2023 harness racing meet.

Ocean Downs will offer 48 programs from May 28-Sept. 6 with live racing Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. First post time is set for 7:05 p.m.

If weather permits, the half-mile track will be available for training from 7 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays from April 29 through Aug. 30. Pre-meet qualifiers are planned for 10 a.m. May 22, with qualifiers held during the meet at 5:15 p.m. on Mondays through Aug. 28. Training will be available as well on qualifying days.

The MRC also approved an update to the Ocean Downs 2023 capital investment plan, which was approved earlier by the board of directors of track owner Churchill Downs Inc. The largest expense is replacement of windows in the clubhouse dining room that overlooks the racetrack.

Other projects include new carpet in the clubhouse and flooring in the restrooms, purchase of a golf cart and racetrack conditioner drag, and replacement of a water tower that needs significant repairs. The water tower and three aquifers allow Ocean Downs to provide its own water for the entire property.

“These capital improvements include equipment, vehicles and property improvements to improve the operation for our horsemen, our customers and our team members,” the plan states. “This plan demonstrates Ocean Downs’ commitment to continue Standardbred racing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.”

In other business at the meeting, the MRC ratified an agreement with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit for the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program that began March 27 but was suspended March 31 for 30 days as a result of a ruling from a judge in the District Court of Northern Texas. The program, for Thoroughbred racing only, is to resume May 1 under the order.

Under the agreement, the MRC will continue to pay its staff for activities in the test barn such as sample collection only. The racetrack and horsemen — agreements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction — will pick up the cost of the actual testing, which for Maryland is in excess of $3 million for Thoroughbred racing.

by Tom LaMarra, for the USTA