Anderson, IN – Members and directors from USTA District 3 met on Friday afternoon (Nov. 14) in the Top of the Park Room at Hoosier Park to discuss industry matters and to debate nine USTA rule change/by law change proposals. District chairperson Marilyn Breuer-Bertera was joined at the venue by fellow district directors Sam Hedington, Joe Morris, and Cathy Webb, with director Steve Oldford participating via Zoom. The meeting featured several speakers and more than 20 guests.
Indiana Racing Commission assistant executive director Jessica Barnes presented on the growth of racing over the past decade in the Hoosier State, pointing out that Hoosier Park has played host to three Breeders Crowns. She stressed the need for collaboration in exploring ways to grow harness racing.
Barnes was followed by Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) president John DeLong, who, along with ISA executive director Tony Renz, highlighted the myriad outreach projects and horsemen’s services that the organization has spearheaded over the past year.
Gabe Prewitt, Vice President and General Manger of Hoosier Park, spoke next, explaining that handle was up in 2025 at the Anderson, IN oval. Looking ahead to next year, the track will commence their 2026 season in mid-February, an early start that Prewitt hopes will continue the track’s positive business trend.
Brett Boyd, President of the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association, reported that there were optimistic signs for harness racing in the Wolverine State, where a 20-day summer meet at the Barry Expo Center in Hastings revived hopes for a further revival of the sport. Boyd informed that the Michigan Gaming Control Board already had approved a 30-day schedule for Hastings in 2026.
The assemblage subsequently discussed and voted upon the rule change proposals. The results were:
- Resigning membership while under investigation – APPROVED
- Horse race fatalities reported to USTA— APPROVED*
- Shoes off/shoes on — APPROVED **
- Horse retirement contribution from claims— REJECTED
- Start caps for 2- and 3-year-olds — REJECTED
- Deposit for appeals — APPROVED
- Stallion Cap of 160 Mares— REJECTED
- Standardbred as embryo transfer recipient mare – REJECTED
- Executive committee composition – APPROVED
*With stipulation that owner and trainer obligations should be researched and investigated by the USTA board at its annual meeting in March
**The first half of proposal, a change to Rule 6.15(b)(14), is approved. The second part, the amendment of Rule 7.02, is sent back to board for further review.
Breuer-Bertera was reelected as chairperson by her colleagues.
District voting results will be presented to the USTA Board of Directors when that body convenes in Columbus, Ohio from Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8, 2026. Members reminded that they can cast their votes online through their USTA accounts.