USTA District 2 meeting recap

Columbus, OH – On Tuesday (Oct. 26), Chairperson Marilyn Breuer-Bertera, Jay Cross, Mike Sweeney, Sam Hedington, and Steve Oldford hosted the annual District 2 meeting via Zoom.  Director Scott Peine was unable to attend.

Chairperson Breuer-Bertera opened the meeting by introducing the recorded opening messages from USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner and USTA President Russell Williams.

Breuer-Bertera introduced District 2 directors and USTA staff in attendance then explained the rule change process and called on USTA COO TC Lane to explain the voting process for Tuesday’s meeting.

The remainder of the agenda included a discussion of and voting on 26 rule change proposals.

Following are the results on the 2022 rule change proposals from District 2:

Rule Change Proposal                    Voting Results

#1 (Medical assistance/back-up ambulance)  Approved
#2 (County fair charting timeline) Approved as Amended (by conclusion of the racing day)
#3 (Microchip optional horses born before 2019) Approved
#4 (State vet regulation of microchips)   Approved
#5 (Draw video and recording)    Approved
#6 (Blood samples for claims)    Approved
#7 (Voidable claims – injury)    Approved
#8 (Stakes payment dates)     Approved
#9 (Driver selection in stakes races)   Rejected
#10 (Interference before start)     Rejected
#11 (Trainer continuing education)    Rejected
#12 (Whip specifications)     Rejected
#13 (Breaking horse disqualification)   Rejected
#14 (Stallion limit increase)     Rejected
#15 (Charitable breedings offered)    Rejected
#16 (Outstanding horse names)    Approved
#17 (No horse name changes)     Rejected
#18 (ID of broodmares)     Approved
#19 (Embryo transfers)     Rejected
#20 (Parentage verifications)     Rejected
#21 (Horse ID requiring chip and FB)   Rejected
#22 (Breeder location)    Rejected
#23 (Equestrian membership fees)    Approved
#24 (Addition of equestrian membership)   Approved
#25 (Universal election date for directors)   Approved
#26 (Trainer continuing education bylaw)   Rejected

Following the vote on rule change proposals, Chairperson Breuer-Bertera inquired if there were any other topics for discussion.  Director Sam Heddington inquired about status of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner explained that several other states had joined one of the lawsuits and that the suits are in the hands of the respective courts.

Breuer-Bertera inquired of Director Jay Cross on the status of racing in Indiana and explained that there is an effort in Michigan to get historical racing legislation passed.

The meeting commenced at 2 p.m. (EDT) and was adjourned at 4:02 p.m.

For the schedule of remaining USTA District Meetings, click here.

Back to Top

Share via