Columbus, OH – USTA District 2 members from Indiana and Michigan met via Zoom on Monday (Nov. 9) for their annual district meeting. Chairperson Marilyn Breuer-Bertera and directors Sam Hedington, Joe Morris, Steve Oldford and Cathy Webb hosted the meeting. Breuer-Bertera was re-elected as District 2 chairperson.
Members in attendance discussed and voted on the 14 Proposed Rule and Bylaw changes for 2027. District 2 approved six proposals, rejected seven and tabled one.
Elimination of claiming allowances for fillies and mares: RejectedConflict-of-interest language for officials: ApprovedDeclaration of shoe removal: RejectedDrawing races by lot when oversubscribed: ApprovedLive video of the draw: RejectedHorses drawing inside or outside consecutively: RejectedAdditional criteria for a general trainer’s license: ApprovedProhibition of trotting hobbles: RejectedSulky performance standards: Tabled- Investigation hearing procedures: Rejected
- Information required for a Certificate of Embryo Transfer: Approved
- Increase in the imported horse registration fee: Approved
- Director term limits: Rejected
- Time for hearing appeals: Approved
Following the discussion of the rule and bylaw changes, USTA President and CEO Mike Tanner highlighted several USTA projects aimed at making the association’s online platforms easier to use and simplifying how members conduct USTA business.
Joe Morris reported that Hoosier Park plans to race two days a week during a winter meet beginning in February 2027. The track is also preparing for a week of Grand Circuit racing highlighted by the Hambletonian on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2027.
Brett Boyd, president of the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association, discussed proposed legislation that would increase the amount of online gaming tax revenue available to support harness racing in Michigan. Boyd said the additional funding would help expand racing programs, primarily at county fairs, and provide grants for 4-H, FFA and county fair capital improvements. He said he expected Senate committee action on Dec. 4.
The remaining districts will meet in the coming months to discuss regional issues and vote on the proposals. District voting results will be compiled and presented to the full USTA Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting in March 2027.
Meeting dates, agendas and recaps are available on the USTA district meetings page. Members can also vote on the proposals through their USTA accounts. See the online voting instructions for details.