MJC to Hold Town Hall Meeting

Officials at the Maryland Jockey Club announced Thursday that it would stage a Town Hall Meeting Friday, Nov. 20, to talk about the future of the Thoroughbred industry in the state.

The meeting, open to industry stakeholders, the media and the public at large, will be held in the Carriage Room at Laurel Park. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. following a free buffet dinner at 5:30.

Set to address the gathering are Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer for The Stronach Group, Maryland Racing Commissioner Bruce Quad and Alan Foreman, general counsel for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

“We believe this is a good time to get together as a group to discuss what our hopes and plans are for the Maryland Thoroughbred industry as well as answer any questions from the public and other stakeholders who support the industry,” Ritvo said. “I believe this is an exciting time for Maryland racing, but we believe there’s so much more potential. I believe the town hall will bring everyone together for a positive and productive discussion.”

Total handle on Maryland racing is up $53 million from last year, while the Club’s OTB at the Horseshoe Casino in downtown Baltimore has handled more than $5 million in less than six months of operation. Nearly 20,000 people attended Jim McKay Maryland Million Day Oct. 17.

MJC has invested more than $17 million over the past 10 months renovating Laurel Park. Renovations include new barns, flooring, seating and concession stands, a renovated simulcast area, and high-definition televisions throughout its facility and on its broadcast.