Jacob Casto

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the election of a Chairman, the Executive Director's Report, the Auditor's Report, and a Legal Update. Furthermore, the commission is scheduled to address Charles Town's request for approval of 2026 Stakes Races and discuss WV Breeder Registration. The agenda concludes with a Public Comments section.

The WV Racing Commission meeting addressed several key areas. The Executive Director's report highlighted an increase in live handle for March 2022 compared to the previous month and the same period last year, along with a rise in export handle. Legal updates included no new appeals and ongoing monitoring of the HISA lawsuit. The commission discussed and approved a request to amend the retirement plan for backstretch personnel, focusing on clarifying eligibility for health provider vendors. Additionally, they approved Mountaineer Park's 2022 stakes schedule, Charles Town's capital improvement project, and Wheeling Island's 2022 stakes schedule. The commission also considered a letter regarding supplemental purse payouts, particularly concerning residency requirements, and decided against a voluntary agreement regarding the HISA Racetrack Safety Program.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on several key issues. The thoroughbred racing rule and parimutuel rule passed the legislature with an effective date of July 1st, 2022. A five-year distribution comparison of variance from 2021 to 2017 was reviewed. Mountaineer Park's request for approval of capital improvement ticket cashing terminals was approved. The commission discussed the post-COVID status of track operations and set a due date of April 29, 2022, for racetracks to provide plans for reopening and operating post-pandemic. The commission approved the hiring of a second steward in Charles Town. There were no public comments.

The WV Racing Commission meeting addressed several key areas, including the Executive Director's report, which covered the Account Status Report for OAISIS funds, the upcoming annual audit, and injury statistics for Charles Town. The commission also discussed and approved a resolution honoring Sylvia Bishop for her contributions to the thoroughbred racing industry. Personnel matters were addressed, including the hiring of stewards for Charles Town and a license clerk for Wheeling Island. Additionally, commissioners shared remarks, and public comments were heard, with gratitude expressed for the commission's visit and sponsorship of events.

The meeting included the election of the Chairman for the West Virginia Racing Commission for the calendar year 2023. The Executive Director reported on live handle and in-state simulcast revenue trends, comparing current figures to previous years, and discussed the FY2024 budget. An update was provided on the HISA settlement process at Charles Town. The legal update covered federal and state court cases. The committee also discussed the potential for HISA to reassess for the time period in which they were effective. The Charles Town HBPA approached the committee about convening the rules committee this year to make a change for the 2024 legislative session. The commission reviewed and approved the request for reinstatement of an occupational permit for Michael Marchesani. Finally, Charles Town's request for approval of their statutory stakes races, including the Charles Town Classics and the Charles Town Oaks, was reviewed and approved.