Action Items from the October 2026 MTHA Board of Directors Meeting

Below are the action items adopted by the MTHA Board of Directors in open session on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

‍ELECTION

A slate of 26 candidates—12 owners and 14 trainers—was approved for the MTHA Board of Directors election to be held in December 2026.

Owners: R. Thomas Bowman, Linda S. Gaudet, Michael D. Golden, David Hayden, JoAnn Hayden, David R. Hughes, Joseph P. Pons, Jr., Charles J. Reed, Gina F. Robb, Cristy L. Payne, Michael B. Scheffres and Justin M. Wayson

Trainers: Anthony Aguirre, Jr., A. Ferris Allen, W. Robert Bailes, Philip L. Capuano, Kenneth M. Cox, Daniel G. Eubanks, Daniel J. McKenzie, Hugh I McMahon, H. Graham Motion, Brittany T. Russell, Jason D. Smith, Suzanne Stettinius, Michael J. Trombetta and Katharine M. Voss.  

PURSE DISTRIBUTIONS

The Board unanimously authorized a minimum purse payment of $1,000 to each finisher through last place in all races, including stakes races.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST BYLAWS

‍The Board unanimously repealed provisions restricting directors and officers from holding certain affiliations, including service as racetrack directors. Annual conflict of interest disclosures as required by federal and state law remain in place.

FERRIS ALLEN BOOTSTRAPS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

‍The Board unanimously approved up to $10,000 in supplemental funding for the program in 2026, to be allocated based on need.

SMOKE DETECTOR FINES

‍The Board unanimously endorsed increasing the assessment for dormitory residents who tamper with smoke detectors to $100 plus the cost of replacing the detector.

THANKSGIVING DINNERS

‍The Board unanimously approved all necessary expenditures to provide Thanksgiving dinner for backstretch employees in the Laurel Park track kitchens in 2026.

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