3:21 p.m. - BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- The state Racing Commission has voted to fire its director immediately, a decision that prompted angry denunciations from horsemen and left opponents of the change wondering why it happened.

Dean Meyer, who was hired as the commission's top administrator last December, said he was baffled by Monday's decision. The panel voted 3-2 on Monday to dismiss Meyer immediately, with the two dissenters saying they knew of no reason to do so.

The panel's chairman, Jim Boehm of Mandan, and commissioners DeAnn Pladson of Fargo and James Arthaud of Belfield voted to fire Meyer. James Clement of Mandan and Clarence Frederick Sr. of Belcourt opposed the move.

"I always thought that … if somebody's on probation, we usually get together with them if we feel they're not doing their job during the probationary period, and not just hit them cold right at the end," Frederick said. "I know I was hit pretty cold … I don't even know what the reasons were."

The three who voted to dismiss Meyer said they would not elaborate on the dismissal. They said they did not consult each other about the decision beforehand.

Boehm said he would "not give any reasons to the press or to anybody else" for his decision. "I don't think it's fair to the employee, in his future endeavors, to mention the reasons," he said.

Meyer has been a probationary employee for six months. Last Thursday, the commission voted along the same line to refuse to hire him permanently. The decision left questions about Meyer's status, so the panel met again on Monday to vote on a motion to dismiss him.

Meyer said he had hired Bismarck attorney Tom Dickson to explore his legal options.

"I treat cows better than that if I'm hauling them to a sale," Meyer said. "They usually know they're dry, or old, or got no teeth, or something … I think it was unprofessional."

Clement said he was "dumbfounded" by the decision.

"I think the public deserves an explanation, and I think especially Dean Meyer deserves an explanation because it is an assault on his character," Clement said.