The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority was established through an act of the Maryland General Assembly (SB 720) in 2023.
The mission and purpose of the Authority are to maintain the state of Maryland as a best-in-class location for thoroughbred horse racing, via recommendations it finds to be in the best interest of racing and the development of new and existing racing and training facilities in coordination with other state entities.
By statute, the Authority may assume management and oversight of day-to-day thoroughbred horse racing operations, with appropriate approvals, if it is determined to be in the best interests of the state of Maryland.
The creation of the Authority was a major step in a continuing effort by the State to support the equine industry and to identify a path forward for Maryland horseracing.
The Authority may:
- study and make any recommendations that the Authority finds are in the best interests of thoroughbred racing in the State;
- in coordination with other State entities, develop new and existing horse racing and training facilities in the State;
- enter into any agreements, leases, partnerships, or contracts necessary to support and sustain Maryland thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering activity and ensure compliance with Maryland Racing Commission rules and regulations;
Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority Members
Leadership
Chairman: Greg Cross, attorney and expert commercial real estate and structured finance litigator [Appointed by the Governor Wes Moore.] Email: greg.cross@maryland.gov
Executive Director: Marc Broady, attorney and Baltimore resident. Email: marc.broady@maryland.gov
Voting members
Mary Tydings [Appointed by the Governor Wes Moore.]
Jeff Hargrave [Appointed by the Governor Wes Moore.]
Alan M. Foreman [Selected by Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association]
Thomas J. “Tom” Rooney [Selected by Maryland Horse Breeders Association]
Louis J. Ulman [Selected by Maryland General Assembly leadership]
Charles G. “Chuck” Tildon III [Selected by Maryland General Assembly leadership]
Craig Thompson [Representing Maryland Stadium Authority]
Tom Sadowski [Representing Maryland Economic Development Corporation]
Ex-officio (non-voting) members
Nicole Earle [Appointed by the Governor Wes Moore to represent Pimlico Race Course area]Joe Franco [Appointed by the Governor Wes Moore to represent Laurel Park area]
Gavin Stokes [Appointed by the Governor Wes Moore to represent Bowie Race Course Training Center area]
George P. Mahoney Jr. [Selected by Maryland Racing Commission]
The Authority includes members appointed jointly by state Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones: Louis J. Ulman, a lawyer and former chair of the Maryland Racing Commission; and Charles G. “Chuck” Tildon III, a former member of the Racing Commission and vice president of the University of Maryland Medical System Corp. who was campaign treasurer of former Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Chairman Craig Thompson represents the Maryland Stadium Authority and Thomas Sadowski, the Executive Director of the Maryland Economic Development Corp.
Law
Senate Bill 720
