by USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — The United States Trotting Association’s online entry platform, which went live ten months ago on April 7, is nearing its 160,000th processed entry, making it one of the industry’s unqualified success stories of the past year. The software interface, which was developed by the USTA and provided to horsemen and regulators at no cost whatsoever, allows trainers to research races and enter horses electronically and from the convenience of their personal computer or mobile device, while race offices are able to process and sort fields of races with the click of a button.

USTA president Phil Langley, who challenged his staff to create the platform, is thrilled with the response that met its introduction.

“We were confident that our team had produced a quality product,” Langley reflected, “but, really, the reaction was beyond even what we expected. By the end of July, Online Entry had processed 50,000 entries at 90 tracks and fairs. We knew then that it was a winner. Now, in mid–February, those numbers have grown to over 158,000 entries taken for 131 venues. And from a customer service standpoint, it’s been virtually flawless. We’ve experienced no significant operational issues, which is a real tribute to our programmers at the Columbus office. They don’t get nearly as much credit as they should.”

Those trainers who are using Online Entry read like a “Who’s Who” of American harness racing. Enthusiasts include Ron Burke, Jimmy Takter, Tony Alagna, Julie Miller, Brian Brown and many others who count on the application to enter horses from coast to coast on a daily basis. “It makes things a lot easier,” Burke said shortly after the program was introduced. “I think it provides a tremendous advantage.”

“I’m happy with the reception that Online Entry has received,” Langley reflected. “It’s provided flexibility, control, and convenience to horsemen, and we were able to deliver it at no cost to our members. We’re looking to build upon the platform in the coming months and years.”