Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA
There are several fall educational seminars open to help new owners or those considering first time ownership of a Standardbred.
Four of the yearlings purchased at the recent New Jersey Classic Sale were bought by individuals who’ve received assistance through USTA-sponsored seminars or outreach to prospective owners. Three of the four youngsters, averaging $21,000, were from the Hanover Shoe Farm consignment and one from Fair Winds Farm. Well over 100 graduates of USTA sponsored or co-sponsored seminars have purchased horses in the last six years and most of them have bought more than one horse.
Hofstra University, near the site of Roosevelt Raceway on Long Island, New York, has a series of Monday night classes this fall, covering topics such as formation of partnerships, communicating with your trainer, breeding, buying at auction and information and research sources for owners. The next session is September 20. Each session is $45 and more information is available at www.hofstra.edu/ucce/racehorse or by calling 516-463-7800.
Harrington Raceway in Delaware will be the site of a seminar on Sunday, October 24. That introductory seminar will cover the broad range of ownership options, risks, rewards, how to select a trainer and costs involved. Tuition is $20 and includes dinner at the track. To sign up or for more information, contact Judy Davis-Wilson at 302-674-4600 x3634 or email Judy.Wilson-Davis@state.de.us.
For the sixth consecutive year, the USTA will sponsor a seminar on yearling selection prior to the start of the Standardbred Horse Sale in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This year’s seminar will be held from noon to 5 pm on October 31; the sale starts on November 1. Topics to be discussed include pedigree and conformation analysis, how to estimate sales prices and make a budget for training and staking expenses. Tuition is $40 per person or $45/couple and includes a conformation video, workbook and a one year subscription to Hoof Beats magazine. To sign up, or for more information, contact Ellen Harvey at 732-780-3700 or HRCNews@ustrotting.com.