by Jessica Schroeder, assistant fair liaison, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — The agenda for the county fair officials seminar at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Friday, May 1, has been set. The seminar is being put on by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), the USTA and Illinois Standardbred Owners & Breeders Association (ISOBA).

Discussion will cover racing rules and regulations along with fair publicity and promotions. The seminar will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (central) in the IDOA building. A light lunch will be provided.

This seminar is open to anyone interested in and/or involved with county fair racing. Please RSVP to Sherri Powell at (217) 785-0105 or sherri.powell@illinois.gov.

Agenda

Racing Rules & Regulation
Tim Schmitz (Presiding Judge at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs)
1. Introduction
2. Taking Declarations/Declaration Box
3. Conducting the draw/splitting races
4. Driver changes/scratches
5. Post Parade/Scoring of horses
6. Race Video Review
7. Observing the Race
a. Driving Violations
b. Interference
c. Objections/Inquiries
d. Placing of Horses
e. Mutuels
f. Making the race ‘official’
8. Conducting Hearings
a. Rulings
9. Open Discussion

Marketing Racing at Your County Fair
Jessica Schroeder (Assistant Fair Liaison at the USTA)
1. Working with the USTA
2. Creating a special event
3. Getting Fans in the Stands