Lexington, KY — The U.S. Trotting Association’s (USTA) 2026-2027 district meeting cycle officially got underway Saturday (Oct. 10) as District 6 directors and constituents gathered at The Red Mile to conduct district business and consider 13 rule change proposals submitted by USTA members and staff.
District 6 Chairman Joe Pennacchio presided over the meeting, joined by fellow directors Cara Collins, Dr. Andy Roberts, Dein Spriggs and Chris Antonacci, who participated via Zoom.
Among those in attendance were Diamond Creek Farm representatives Sam Herrington and Emily Pursell. Herrington is a candidate for the District 6 at-large director seat currently held by Spriggs. Also attending were prominent owner and bloodstock agent Mario Zuanetti of Atlantic Trot Inc. and Dot Morgan of New Vocations.
USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner moderated the rule change proposal segment, which included presentations on two member-sponsored submissions from USTA District 8 director Mike Torcello and Antonacci.
Torcello’s proposal calls for additional safeguards and protections for individuals under investigation by the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund (SRIF) on behalf of the USTA. Antonacci’s submission seeks to increase the registration fee for imported horses from $375 to $5,000, with the additional revenue earmarked toward supporting various industry initiatives and programs.
Following discussion, District 6 voted to recommend four proposals for approval, rejected six proposals and tabled three for further consideration by the full USTA Board of Directors at its March meeting.
The disposition of the 13 proposals is as follows:
- Elimination of claiming allowances for fillies and mares: Rejected
- Conflict-of-interest language for officials: Tabled
- Declaration of shoe removal: Rejected
- Drawing races by lot when oversubscribed: Approved
- Live video of the draw: Rejected
- Horses drawing inside or outside consecutively: Rejected
- Additional criteria for a general trainer’s license: Approved
- Prohibition of trotting hobbles: Rejected
- Sulky performance standards: Tabled
- Investigation hearing procedures: Tabled
- Information required for a Certificate of Embryo Transfer: Approved
- Increase in the imported horse registration fee: Approved
- Director term limits: Rejected
In other district business, Pennacchio was reelected chairman for an additional one-year term.
The District 6 meeting marked the beginning of the USTA’s 2026-2027 district meeting cycle, during which district directors and members will review proposed rule changes and other matters affecting the Standardbred racing industry. District 12 (New Jersey) is next in line and will meet virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. (EDT).