Chris Merz to head Maryland Racing Commission

The Maryland Department of Labor today announced Christopher L. Merz has joined the agency as executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission.

Merz has more than a decade of experience as a leader in horse racing operations, compliance, business strategy, and oversight. He previously 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. His most recent work as a consultant focused both on providing guidance for executing efficient business operation practices in horse racing and implementing practices that promote Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and jurisdictional compliance.

“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,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “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.”

“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,” said Merz. “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, known as ROCO. He previously served on the American Graded Stakes Committee, founded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

The Maryland Racing Commission, chaired by George P. Mahoney, Jr., regulates and issues licenses governing horse racing meets in Maryland. Merz’s appointment as executive director follows the retirement of Mike Hopkins after 40 years of service to the state of Maryland.

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