As part of the rollout of graded and restricted race designations highlighting the sport’s top-tier events, the U.S. Trotting Association has introduced a redesigned race program page, distributed to U.S. tracks earlier this week.
Author: from the USTA Communications Department
Surreal Ideal brings a 12-race win streak to the Pacey Mindlin Memorial on Saturday at Miami Valley
Surreal Ideal has been on a dreamlike roll for trainer/co-owner Vernon Beachy. The 8-year-old male pacer will bring a 12-race win streak to Saturday’s (May 2) Grade 3 $100,000 “The Wizard” Pacey Mindlin Memorial at Miami Valley Raceway, and he has not missed a paycheck in 52 consecutive starts dating back to November 2023.
USTA Executive Committee expands to 21 members
On Wednesday (April 29), U.S. Trotting Association President Russell Williams announced the members of the organization’s expanded Executive Committee. The committee, which previously consisted of 16 members, added five in accordance with an amendment passed during the Annual Meeting in March.
Brandon Blvd to make 2026 debut in Paul Revere Pace at Plainridge Saturday
Brandon Blvd (Downbytheseaside-Alexis Faith) was one of the fastest 2-year-old pacers of last season and he will be making his first start of 2026 in the G3 $100,000 Paul Revere Pace when the Grand Circuit returns to Plainridge Park on Saturday (May 2).
Ashley Tetrick named to AHC Board of Trustees
Effective April 23, 2026, Ashley Tetrick with the United States Trotting Association (USTA), joined the American Horse Council (AHC) Board of Trustees, filling the seat previously held by Don Marean of USTA.
Richard William ‘Dick’ Geyer, 73, dies
Richard William “Dick” Geyer, age 73, passed away on April 20, 2026 after an arduous battle with cancer.
Oak Grove Trotting Derby draws 19, Trotting Oaks attracts 27
The inaugural editions of the $500,000 Oak Grove Trotting Derby, a 3-year-old open, and $300,000 Oak Grove Trotting Oaks, for 3-year-old fillies, lured 19 entrants and 27 entrants, respectively, for a total of six eliminations on Monday (May 4) at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel – a day featuring over $600,000 in purses.
USHDC honors Steele Magnolia Sanctuary; Kleinhans takes USHDC feature
When Director of Racing Cara Collins and Racing Secretary Mike Hollenbeck create their racing programs, they, of course, have the horsemen and the fans to consider in making the events as competitive as possible.
Wild Oak Grove Tuesday spurs carryovers galore into Monday
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel offered exciting racing from different angles in the sixth week of the meet with the elite of the sport coming to compete in opening-round stakes action on Monday (April 27) and longshot players finding plenty of opportunities on the Tuesday (April 28) card, which saw nearly all of the day’s multi-race wagers go unsolved.
Josias Santos wins in first-ever charted line
Josias Santos, a 48-year-old native of Brazil, must be thinking, “Harness racing – what an easy game. Where has it been all my life?”