The meeting was called to order by president, Scott Woogen at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Those present by phone were: Scott Woogen, Chief Robbins, Betsy Brown, Billy Carter, Stacey McLenghan, Anne McDonald, Tyler Shehan, Tracy Bradshaw, Leon Harris and Debbie Warnick. A quorum was declared.
MEETING MINUTES: The minutes from the meeting held on October 7, 2023 were reviewed and approved as written.
TREASURER’S REPORT: The treasurer’s report for December 2023 was reviewed.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business
NEW BUSINESS:
Item 1. 2024 Early Closer Rules
There was discussion concerning when payment of the starting fees for the Breeders’ Fund races must be paid. Scott Woogen moved and Tyler Shehan seconded that starting fees must be paid by the start of the first elimination race for age and gait, even if the horse is not racing in the first leg. Motion passed unanimously.
Item 2. Breeders Fund Dates
Debbie presented the proposed dates for the Breeders’ Fund races. Approval of these dates was tabled until the next meeting. Debbie will confirm the dates for Delaware and Maryland races.
Item 3. Certified Race
The Blue Ridge Pace & Alleghany Trot races for aged Certified Residency Program horses will again be held during the spring meet. The following changes were proposed by Scott Woogen and seconded by Anne McDonald.
The races will be limited to four and five year olds
Registration will be due by March 15th.
Elmination races will be held the week before the finals.
Elimination and final races will be divided by sex and gait.
The purse for each elimination will be $6,000. The purse for each final will be $25,000.
The motion passed unanimously.
Item 4. Sired Stakes Bonuses
Debbie presented the potential cost of the current Sired Stakes bonuses. It was proposed to change the bonus program to a percentage based on purse won in the eliminations and finals. It was agreed to leave the program as is.
Item 5. Breeders Fund & Sired Stakes programs
Leon suggested that the Sired Stakes should be elevated over the Breeders’ Fund to become the main program in Virginia. This would be increasing the Sired Stakes purses and lowering the Breeders’ Fund purses. It was decided to leave the programs as they are.
Item 6. Fair Purses
There have been complaints that payments for the purses for the Shenandoah County fair were delayed. Debbie will work with Dee and the fair to insure that this year’s purses are paid timely.
Item 7. Director of Racing
The VEA has agreed to hire a Director of Racing to oversee the race office, track operations and backstretch area. They are in the process of searching for someone.
As there was no further business to be discussed, Scott Woogen adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Warnick
Executive Director