Annapolis, MD — Representatives of the Standardbred industry in Maryland on March 19 voiced their concerns over language in proposed legislation for the reconstruction of Pimlico Race Course and construction of a new training center.

House Bill 1524 also authorizes the state, through its Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, to create a not-for-profit entity to operate live Thoroughbred racing in the state effective Jan. 1, 2025. 1/ST Racing (The Stronach Group) would no longer be directly involved in Pimlico, which it agreed to transfer to the state for $1, or Laurel Park, which would serve as a transition facility until a new Pimlico and the training center are ready for occupation.

TSG also owns Rosecroft Raceway, which offers about 60 live racing programs a year and is one of the largest simulcast outlets in terms of pari-mutuel handle in the state.

During a bill hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee, the Standardbred representatives opposed only a small section of the legislation that calls for transfer of Rosecroft’s share of money from the Racetrack Facility Renewal Account to the MTROA, which was created by the General Assembly in 2023. RFRA, which provides matching funds for approved capital improvement projects, is funded by 1% of casino video lottery terminal revenue that is split 80% Thoroughbred and 20% Standardbred.

According to the bill, the unencumbered RFRA fund balance at Rosecroft as well its annual share — roughly $1.2 million — would be transferred. Ocean Downs Casino would continue to receive its share (10%) of RFRA money.

Comments made during the hearing suggested that Rosecroft’s future is in doubt. TSG in 2022 was negotiating a sale of the property to a real estate developer, but the deal fell through. There has been no public acknowledgment of a planned sale since that time, and the company hasn’t stated its future intentions for the property.

Jonathan Roberts, president of the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association, told the committee Standardbred racing is on the upswing in Maryland, and that the RFRA money could be very important in the future should the current two-track system in Maryland end.

“I appreciate your efforts to save the Preakness but am disheartened you would do it at the expense of Standardbred racing,” Roberts said. “Our first priority is to maintain the two tracks we currently have in the state of Maryland. We already have an agreement with Ocean Downs to pick up racing days (should Rosecroft close). Ocean Downs would take on more days but it would need the money for winterization. And it would require some serious capital improvements.”

“Ideally, Rosecroft never closes, but this is going to handicap them from conducting business,” said trainer Michael Hall.

Ocean Downs regularly schedules 48 live racing programs a year to round out basically a year-round harness racing calendar. In response to questions from lawmakers, Roberts said Ocean Downs could probably handle 70 racing programs with its current infrastructure, but to totally absorb most or all of Rosecroft’s dates the summertime facility would require major winterization.

Bobbi Jones, general manager at Ocean Downs, agreed and noted management has already discussed a possible expansion of the clubhouse, which is primarily a glass-enclosed dining area.

“That would be a large, large investment,” she said.

According to comments made at the hearing, Ocean Downs currently has about $7 million in RFRA funds.

It was noted the legislation does not affect the Standardbred industry’s 20% share of the Purse Dedication Account, which is funded by a 6% share of VLT revenue. In 2023, the harness industry received about $15.8 million from the PDA.