by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Members from U.S. Trotting Association District 12 met Friday (Oct. 19) at Freehold Raceway to discuss proposed USTA rule and bylaw changes and to make recommendations.

USTA/Ken Weingartner photo

USTA District 12 directors Jacqueline Ingrassia, John Brennan and Alex Dadoyan participated in Friday’s meeting.

Those in attendance included district directors John Brennan, Alex Dadoyan and Jacqueline Ingrassia while Chris McErlean participated via telephone. Jeff Gregory was absent because of driving commitments.

Brennan was re-elected as district chairman.

District members reviewed 11 proposed rule and bylaw changes for 2013, and recommended to accept seven. Among the changes that received endorsements were a proposal to prohibit a horse to enter and race in more than one county fair on any given day, a proposal to change the age for a matinee (M) license from 12 to 16, and a proposal to change the timing of races from fifths of a second to one hundredths of a second.

A report of USTA activities for 2012 was also distributed to the membership.

The Open Space Pace and Festival of Horses at Freehold Raceway on Sept. 29 also received praise from district members and directors. The Open Space Pace organization, headed by Sam Landy, Freehold Raceway management and all who worked on the program were lauded for the event’s success.