It’s a tough time for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) as they navigate through a storm of misinformation and internal disagreements. Recently, a significant amount of inaccurate information has been swirling around, especially concerning the MTHA’s recent bylaw amendments and the new proposals put forth by John J. Robb, a trainer and member. This confusion even spilled over into the Maryland Racing Commission’s May 2026 meeting, making it clear that everyone needs to be on the same page. The MTHA Board of Directors feels a strong responsibility to set the record straight, ensuring that all horsemen fully grasp what was initially suggested and what the Board ultimately decided on. It’s about transparency and making sure everyone understands the path forward.
Back in February 2026, Mr. Robb requested a Special Board Meeting to discuss several changes to the bylaws. His proposals aimed to tighten the eligibility screws for who could vote for, serve on, and remain a member of the Board, specifically for owner and trainer representatives. For owners, he suggested they’d need to start at least ten races in Maryland each year. Trainers, on the other hand, would have to run over half of their annual races in Maryland. He also wanted to restrict voting rights, so owner-only members could only vote for owner representatives, trainer-only members for trainer representatives, and qualified trainer/owners (which includes most licensed trainers) could vote for both. Perhaps most controversially, he proposed bringing the vote counting process in-house, despite the fact that an independent third party had been handling it since 2014 to ensure fairness and transparency.
Recognizing the importance of these discussions, the MTHA’s Executive Committee met with Mr. Robb and his chosen representatives on March 1st. This extensive, four-hour conversation led to an understanding that revised proposals would be formally presented at the next MTHA Board Meeting on March 19, 2026. This subsequent meeting, open to all MTHA members, involved considerable debate. Ultimately, the Board voted to adopt a series of amendments designed to address the concerns Mr. Robb raised, but without alienating a large segment of the membership. These adopted changes, effective for the 2026 election, stipulated that owner-only candidates for the Board must have ownership interests in horses that collectively made at least five Maryland starts in the previous year. Trainer-owner candidates, meanwhile, would either need to have 50% of their starts in Maryland or accumulate at least thirty Maryland starts in the preceding 365 days. The Board believed these adjustments struck the right balance, ensuring that Board members had “skin in the game” in Maryland racing, while avoiding overly restrictive conditions for the wider membership. They also firmly rejected the “in-house” election proposal, reiterating their commitment to an independent third-party to safeguard the election’s integrity, but agreed to publish full election results for greater transparency.
The MTHA Board firmly believed that Mr. Robb’s more restrictive original proposals would have completely thrown off the delicate balance of representation between owners and trainers within the organization. Despite the Board’s efforts to address concerns, Mr. Robb wasn’t satisfied. On April 9, 2026, he submitted a new request for a Special Meeting of the Members, pushing for even more stringent bylaw amendments. These new proposals weren’t just about making Board eligibility tougher; they aimed to drastically limit, or even outright eliminate, the voting rights of many existing MTHA members. For instance, his renewed owner eligibility proposal would require members to hold at least a 25% beneficial interest in horses that made ten or more Maryland starts in the preceding year. Trainer eligibility would demand 50 or more Maryland starts, or 50% of total starts in Maryland. The voting structure would also become more compartmentalized, preventing eligible owners from voting for trainer representatives.
The potential impact of these highly restrictive new proposals was staggering. The Board’s analysis of 2025 racing data revealed that Mr. Robb’s suggested owner voting thresholds would have slashed voting eligibility to a mere 14% of currently licensed owners, effectively silencing nearly 86% of those who could currently participate in elections. This meant many smaller owners, partnerships, breeders, and long-time Maryland participants would lose their voice, even if they were still deeply invested in the sport. Similarly, his proposed trainer thresholds would have cut voting eligibility to about 24% of licensed trainers, sidelining roughly 76% of those currently eligible. To make matters worse, the proposed structure would have further concentrated voting power by prohibiting eligible owners from voting for trainer representatives, severely narrowing participation within the organization. While the Board felt these specific proposals were too extreme, they did acknowledge that some clarity was needed in the existing bylaws regarding member voting rights and election procedures. To ensure consistency, transparency, and protect members’ rights, they adopted an additional bylaw provision requiring any member-initiated bylaw changes to be approved by a majority vote of the entire membership at a specially called meeting. They firmly believe that any changes impacting voting rights or Board representation should ultimately be decided by the full membership.
In response to Mr. Robb’s request for a Special Meeting of the Members, the Board agreed to call one, provided the process adheres to the Association’s Bylaws and Maryland law. However, a key point of contention has been the cost. Under Maryland corporate law, including provisions for non-profits like the MTHA, those who request a special meeting are responsible for the estimated costs of preparing and mailing official notices to the entire membership. Since a vote on bylaw amendments by the membership requires polling everyone, the costs are comparable to a full Association election. To maintain transparency, integrity, and fairness, the MTHA will, like all Association elections since 2014, use an independent third-party election services company to distribute notices, collect proxies, and tabulate votes. All eligible members will get the chance to vote either in person or by proxy. The individuals who requested the Special Meeting have been informed of these estimated costs, and once those funds are received, the Association will proceed with issuing notice, holding the meeting, and conducting the vote.
Unfortunately, Mr. Robb has now chosen to file litigation against the Association, rather than continuing to engage through the established internal governance process. The MTHA believes this lawsuit contains significant factual inaccuracies and asserts claims that lack merit, and they are fully prepared to vigorously defend themselves and the Board’s actions. It’s truly regrettable that at a time when Maryland racing needs to pull together to strengthen and preserve the industry, and maintain the support of the State of Maryland, the Association finds itself forced to dedicate substantial time, attention, and financial resources to internal division and legal battles. The Board of Directors understands its fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the Association and its entire membership. Throughout this challenging process, they have been guided by independent legal counsel, working alongside the Association’s General Counsel, to ensure that every action taken is appropriate, consistent with the Bylaws, compliant with Maryland non-profit corporate law, and ultimately serves the best interests of Maryland racing and its community. Members with any questions or concerns are encouraged to attend the bi-monthly MTHA Board of Directors meetings, with information on the next one available online and in the Horsemen’s Happenings email Newsletter.
Prominent figures within the MTHA and Maryland racing community have voiced their concerns and support. Kentucky Derby-winning trainer and MTHA Board member H. Graham Motion emphasized the Board’s hard work in encouraging participation, listening to diverse viewpoints, and making decisions that benefit Maryland racing and the entire horsemen’s community. He stressed the interdependence of horsemen from all corners of the state. Maryland’s leading trainer and MTHA Board member Brittany Russell wished that those seeking to divide the community would instead focus on being constructive and productive members, especially as the industry faces serious challenges. She highlighted that the Board listened, made necessary changes, and recognized ill-advised ones, stressing that successful progress relies on working together. TMJC and MTHA Board member Timothy L. Keefe urged Mr. Robb, if he truly wants to influence the Association’s direction, to run for the Board, engage with the membership, and build consensus through collaboration, not division, especially when the industry can least afford it. MTHA Board member Michael J. Trombetta reiterated the Board’s commitment to an open process, encouraging creative thinking and new ideas, while firmly stating that “old, tired tactics intending to divide and conquer is not the way forward.” Finally, MTHA Board member A. Ferris Allen powerfully articulated the numerous serious challenges facing Maryland racing, such as horse shortages, redevelopment uncertainty, stagnant handle, and aging facilities. While acknowledging the difficult times and natural questions about new leadership, he expressed strong confidence in the experienced and proven leadership currently in place through the MTHA. He praised the MTHA Board’s extensive work in establishing vital programs like MedStar Health, the backstretch pension plan, recreation and counseling, immigration assistance, and their commitment to thoroughbred aftercare, emphasizing that these achievements were built through years of dedication and genuine commitment to the people who make the industry thrive. It’s clear that the prevailing sentiment among the Board is a call for unity and constructive engagement to navigate these critical times for Maryland racing.