Christopher L. Merz has been named the new executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission, according to the state’s department of labor.
Merz succeeded Mike Hopkins, who retired Dec. 31 after 41 years at the Maryland Racing Commission, including the last 24 as the executive director.
Merz has vast experience in the industry and has served as senior director of racing operations at Canterbury Park in Minnesota, director of racing and racing secretary at Santa Anita Park in California and racing secretary at the Maryland Jockey Club.
He has also worked as a consultant focused both on providing guidance for executing efficient business operations in horse racing and implementing practices that promote Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and jurisdictional compliance, according to a news release.
“The horse racing industry is rapidly transforming across the United States and we look forward to Christopher Merz guiding Maryland racing through this next era,” Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu said in a statement. “He is a talented leader who has returned to Maryland with a wealth of experience in new sports entertainment paradigms, business operations, and safety—all essential to the future success of horse racing in Maryland.”
The Maryland Racing Commission, chaired by George P. Mahoney, Jr., regulates and issues licenses governing horse racing meets in Maryland.
Mertz takes over amid major changes within Maryland’s racing industry. Beginning this year, daily racing operations will be carried out by a new Maryland Jockey Club, a nonprofit created by the state to take over from The Stronach Group, which in various iterations has run Pimlico and Laurel Park since 2002.
The state is trying to reinvigorate its signature race, the Preakness Stakes, with a weeks-long festival announced in December by Gov. Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
Racing will proceed on a trimmed 127-date calendar, designed to work in tandem with Virginia’s Colonial Downs racetrack, where many Maryland-based horsemen might run while Laurel is on break in July and August.
In addition, work is expected to begin on a new state-of-the-art training facility at Shamrock Farm in Woodbine that will accommodate the horsemen currently based at Laurel once a refurbished Pimlico is ready to host daily racing in 2027.
“I am profoundly grateful to Governor Moore, Secretary Wu, and the Maryland Racing Commission for entrusting me with this pivotal role as we embark on a transformative era in horse racing,” Merz said in a statement. “Together with our industry stakeholders and horsemen, passionate bettors, and devoted fans, we will propel the sport into an innovative and sustainable future while also honoring Maryland’s rich racing heritage.”
Merz holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Arizona. His ongoing service in horse racing includes HISA’s Emergency Medical Response Training and Certification Committee and the Racing Operations Committee. He previously served on the American Graded Stakes Committee, founded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.
Baltimore Sun reporter Childs Walker contributed to this article. Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
