Minutes of the
Delaware Harness Racing Commission Meeting
PUBLIC SESSION
September 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Delaware Department of Agriculture- Conference Room 1
Commission Members Present
Beverly Steele
/Chairman
Patt Wagner
/Vice Chairman
George Staats
/Commissioner
Jack Berberian
/Commissioner
Stephanie Liguori
/Commissioner
Others Present
DHRC Executive Director Mark Davis, Deputy Attorney General Andrew Kerber, Dover Downs Vice President of Racing Charles Lockhart, Sr., Dover Downs Sr. Director of Racing John Hensley, Harrington Raceway General Manager Jim Boese, Harrington Raceway Asst. GM Matt Sparacino, HRI Facilities Manager Karen Craft, DSBF Executive Administrator Judy Davis-Wilson, DSOA Executive Director Sal DiMario, Joe Strug, Brian Callahan and Lauren Torres.
DHRC staff members: Dan Kazmaier
Minutes: Donna Krol
Call TO ORDER:
At 10:03 a.m. Chairman Steele called the public session of the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.
Immediately following the “Call to Order”, the DHRC Commission dismissed to Executive Session. The Commission will be returning to Public Session after the Executive Session is completed.
Executive Session:
See Executive Session minutes.
Return to Public Session:
At 10:43 a.m. Chairman Steele called the public session of the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.
Approval of Minutes:
Public minutes from the August 9, 2016 Commission Meeting were reviewed. Chairman Steele entertained a motion to approve the public minutes; motion was made by Commissioner Berberian and seconded by Vice Chairman Wagner. Motion passed with unanimous voice vote.
Delaware Harness Racing Commission – Public Session
September 13, 2016
OLD Business:
Harrington Raceway: 8-Hole Scratch Analysis.
Karen Craft reviewed the 8-Hole scratch data from 4-15-2016 to 9-14-16. During this time, there were 21 8-hole scratches. Most of these were single scratches with no repeat offenders. It was estimated that the number of 8-hole scratches amounts to 2%. Mr. Lockhart suggested an analysis be completed of scratches before the new policy was in effect. “Harrington House Rule” is if you scratch from the outside post in overnight events, you will receive the outside post on your next start. Possible exception to this rule is for horses that have been out for a long period before coming back to race. Mr. Lockhart stated that Dover Downs will uphold this Track Policy and will continue for this year. During that time Dover Downs will review the effects of the Track Policy on the number of 8-hole scratches.
Action Item: Karen Craft will complete the requested comparison.
New Business:
Brian Callahan –
Mr. Callahan came before the Commission because he has a conditional license with the DHRC and had another drug violation. Under the terms of that license he is to come before the Commission for any violations received in any jurisdiction. Mr. Callahan has had an Equine Positive in MD. This is Mr. Callahan’s 3rd Equine Positive since receiving his conditional license. Mr. Callahan spoke to the Commission regarding his USTA record and the positive tests he has received. Currently, Mr. Callahan’s license is suspended in MD, he has a conditional license in PA, and does not have a license in NY/NJ because it expired and he did not reapply.
Commission reviewed the facts before them.
Commissioner Berberian made a motion to revoke Mr. Brian Callahan’s conditional license in Delaware. Commissioner Liguori seconded the motion. Motion passed with unanimous voice vote.
Mr. Brian Callahan’s Conditional Delaware License is revoked effective immediately. Mr. Callahan can reapply for a Delaware License after 1 year.
Dover Downs –
The Harness Racing license for 2017 was signed by the Commission.
Pre-Meet Inspection of Dover Downs is scheduled for 10-18-16 at 10:00am. Mark Davis, Commissioner Berberian, Commissioner Liguori will attend.
Reports: Executive Director, Racing Officials, Veterinarian:
Executive Director: Activity Summary Report
Mark Davis reviewed the Activity Summary Report’s provided to the Commission. Report covers the time period of August 15th through August 31st, 2016. There was no live racing August 1st through August 14th, 2016.
Racing statistics: June
Total # of Live Racing Days = 9
Total # Live Races = 110
Average # races per day = 12
Total # of Starters = 833
Delaware Owned/Trained purse retention: Average = 89.58%
*Delaware Owned now includes horses that are full/partially owned or trained by Delaware residents.
Delaware Harness Racing Commission – Public Session
September 13, 2016
License statistics:
Total # licenses issued = 120
Total Monthly = $9,825.00/YTD Total = $78,442.00.
(Total Monthly figures include Licenses, Fingerprints, Appeals and Fines).
Personnel:
State of Delaware remains under the modified hiring freeze.
State of Delaware is under a moratorium for all non-essential, out of state travel – some restrictions have been lifted, but these do not affect the DHRC.
Meetings/Events attended by Mark Davis:
Commission Meeting August 9, 2016
Weekly Meetings with Staff
DSBF Board Meeting 8-23-16
Racing Official Report - Presiding Judge:
Total # of Rulings: 5
Total fine amount: $400.00
Post-Race Positive Test: None
Qualifier Positive Test: None
Positive Pre Race Blood Gas Test: None
Racing Official Report - Chief Investigator:
Total # Human Drug Tests = 12
Positive result: One: Jonathan Oney – refusal - Groom
Total # Breathalyzer tests = 416, average 46/day, Positive result – None
Total # Truck & Trailer Searches completed = 22 no violations/seizures
Racing Official Report - Veterinarian:
Reported by: Mark Davis
Total # of starters = 833
Post- Race Testing:
113 Blood samples were collected.
89 urine samples (24 incomplete) were collected
Catch Rate = 79.00%
No accidents/deaths occurred.
2 A-Fib, 2 Breakdown, 27 sick
Vice Chairman Wagner asked if past License Stats could be included so previous months could be reviewed as well.
Action Item: Mark Davis will compile a License Statistical Report.
Public Comment:
None
Close of Public meeting:
With no further public business to discuss, Chairman Steele made a motion to adjourn the public session.
Motion was carried by Commissioner Berberian and seconded by Commissioner Liguori.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Next Regular Commission Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday October 11, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Next Rules Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Next DSBF Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 1:00 PM