2008 Minutes

VIRGINIA RACING COMMISSION

Minutes Of The Commission Meeting

November 25, 2008
9:30 a.m.

HORSEMEN’S BUILDING
COLONIAL DOWNS
10700 HORSEMEN’S ROAD
NEW KENT, VA

In Attendance
Commission Members:
Peter C. Burnett, Chairman
Mark Brown, Vice Chairman
William H. (Trip) Ferguson
David C. Reynolds

Commission Staff:
Victor I. Harrison, Executive Secretary
David S. Lermond, Jr., Deputy Executive Secretary
Kimberly M. Carter, Office Administrator
C. Richard Harden, DVM, Commission Veterinarian
Joseph M. Roney, Director of Operations & Enforcement
Dennis E. West, Director of Operations

Attorney General’s Office:
Amy K. Dilworth
________________________

At 9:32 a.m., Chairman Burnett called the regular monthly meeting of the Commission to order.

The minutes of the October 15, 2008 meeting were approved.

During Commissioners Comments, Chairman Burnett stated that it is time for us to address the Breeders’ Fund ADW takeout issue. It would be unfair to all parties to do that without any notice, and it is my intention, unless there is some objection by my fellow commissioners, that at our next meeting we hear from all interested parties and the public about their views on how that issue should be dealt with.

Commissioner Reynolds, Chairman of the Marketing and Promotion Committee, introduced Natalie Smith who gave a brief report on the marketing activities that we’ve been engaged in over the last month in support of the racing industry and the equine industry as a whole. Project Hoofbeat has been very, very well received within the education community.

Acting on the recommendation from Mr. Harrison, the Commission approved Colonial Downs’ December simulcast schedule including the additions of: Santa Anita, Sunland Park, and Tampa Bay Downs.

Acting on the recommendation from Mr. Harrison, the Commission approved the proposed statutory changes in the Omnibus Bill.

Colonial Downs’ representatives, Counsel Jim Weinberg informed the Commission that an agreement had been made between the VHHA on two more days of racing for next year for a total of 36 days of racing. The motion was made to approve the Standardbred Horsemen’s Agreement. The motion was seconded and was unanimously approved.

Ian Stewart addressed the closing of the Chesapeake SWF. Mr. Stewart stated that actions were taken to improve the profitability of the company. From day one, Colonial needed to improve its profitability to maintain the viability of racing in Virginia. The Military Highway location in Chesapeake was closed because business can be consolidated at our Indian River Road location.
Ian introduced Tyler Picklesimer as the Director of Thoroughbred Racing. Tyler served last year as the Racing Secretary and will continue in that capacity as well as have expanded duties. Tyler will be responsible for live racing. Tyler has an extensive background in Thoroughbred racing, including serving in various capacities for Keeneland, Turfway, and Churchill Downs.

The next meeting was set for Wednesday, December 17, 2008.

There being no further business, the monthly meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.