During a Maryland Racing Commission meeting at Laurel Park, commissioners approved a Maryland-bred race fund, stakes, and out-of-state bonus request. The approved items include a $600,000 Owner & Developer Bonus Program, a Breeder and Stallion Bonus Program, and a combined stakes schedule for Maryland-bred and/or -sired and Virginia-bred and/or -sired horses.

Some equine industry participants expressed frustration at not being adequately notified about the proposals before the meeting. Owner/breeder/trainer Gina Robb, who is on the Maryland Horse Breeders Association board, claimed she was not included in the negotiations. However, owner/breeder Justin Nixon supported the measures, emphasizing the need for opportunities to run Maryland-bred horses in July and August.

Despite some commissioners being upset over the handling of the initiatives, the combined stakes proposal was approved. One commissioner urged horsemen to stay informed about the plans of their representative organizations.