The Maryland Racing Commission at its June 6 meeting reappointed the chair of the Standardbred Race Fund Committee and also announced that one of its longtime members is leaving the commission.

Commissioner Tammy Lafferty, one of three representatives of the Standardbred industry, will continue to lead the SRFC. Lafferty early in 2023 called for a meeting of stakeholders that featured discussion on the future structure of the Maryland Sire Stakes and Maryland Standardbred Race Fund stakes and led to a decision to increase sire stakes purses for this year’s program. The committee continues to work on what the program will look like in the future.

Meanwhile, Tom Winebrenner, another Standardbred representative on the MRC, is leaving the position, MRC chair Mike Algeo said. Winebrenner with his wife, Linda, owns Fox Den Farm in Union Bridge, Md., where it stands four stallions and provides foaling services, raises yearlings and offers post-operative care and lay-ups.

“Tom has been a genuine asset to the Maryland Racing Commission,” Algeo said. “I have turned to him specifically on issues related to Standardbred racing.”

In 2022 after word was received that Rosecroft Raceway may be sold to a developer — the deal later fell through — Winebrenner issued a statement that was read into the record at a MRC meeting.

“The Maryland Racing Commission recognizes the important role that the Maryland Standardbred industry serves in the state of Maryland,” the statement said. “From owning and leasing farms, equipment, horses, breeding farms, hiring trainers, drivers and grooms, the industry plays an important part in the Maryland economy. … Today, the Maryland Racing Commission goes on the record as expressing its support for the Maryland Standardbred industry and all that it offers to the state of Maryland.”

Members of the MRC have changed this year as their terms have ended and Gov. Wes Moore, elected last November, has appointed others to the regulatory agency that falls under the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

In other business, Jackie MacLeod, president of the Maryland Standardbred Breeders Association, informed the MRC that the organization will hold a banquet the first week of December at Rosecroft. He said achievements in 2023 and 2022, when nine speed records were set, will be recognized and celebrated at the event.

With its Pacers dining room fully open again, Ocean Downs Casino reported a successful opening weekend (May 28-29) for its live meet. General manager Bobbi Sample said overall pari-mutuel wagering was up from 2022 figures; opening night on-track handle on the live product increased 21.3 percent, while off-track handle jumped 22.5 percent.

Sample said the Eastern Shore track had lingering staffing issues last year that limited services.

“Pacers being open had a big impact,” she said.

Ocean Downs gears its meet toward attracting on-track business, and as such schedules numerous events and promotions during its meet, which this year runs through Sept. 6.