by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — The annual membership meeting of USTA District 12 (New Jersey) was held at Freehold Raceway on Friday (Oct. 13) at 11 a.m.

Chairman John Brennan led a discussion and vote on 24 rule change proposals promulgated by members and staff at the USTA. Hambletonian Society President John Campbell was present to discuss the rule changes promulgated by a committee he chaired to bring uniformity to rules across all racing venues.

The complete text of the 24 USTA rule change proposals may be viewed here.

Chairman Brennan opened consideration of the rule changes with the following results:

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Yes
6. Yes, but there is a request to clarify the difference between the proposed rule and the existing rule.
7. Yes
8. Yes
9. Yes
10. Yes
11. Yes
12. Yes
13. Yes
14. Yes
15. Yes, with a suggestion that section c be amended to say, “…shall retain control of the horse at all times….” instead of, “shall remain reasonably taut.” Mr. Campbell noted that some horses perform better being “fed” slack line in the stretch and the expectation of “reasonably taut” lines was overly specific.
16. No because it seems redundant with the specifications in rule proposal No. 15
17. Yes
18. Yes
19. Yes
20. Yes
21. Yes
22. Yes and Mr. McErlean noted that the correct rule number is actually 26.08 and not 26.07
23. Yes
24. No

The results of voting will be considered by USTA directors at their 2018 meeting.

Mr. Brennan was reelected chairman of the district, where the directors are Jacqueline Ingrassia, Jeff Gregory, Chris McErlean and Peter Koch.