Columbus, OH – Members from the United States Trotting Association’s District 3 gathered on Sunday (Jan.22) at the Hilton Arden West in Sacramento, California for the district’s annual meeting. Helmed by district chairman Ivan Axelrod and fellow directors Ben Kenney and David Siegel, the session saw the group debate 18 rule changes and three bylaw proposals. In the end, 10 were accepted and 10 were rejected, with one submission tabled for further discussion. Axelrod was re-elected to another terms as district chairman.

The District 3 meeting was the antepenultimate of the USTA’s 2022-2023 cycle. Among those in attendance were California Harness Horsemen’s Association directors Eileen Brodbar, Robin Clements, and Billie Schwartz, as well as Tim Bohannon, President of the Nevada Standardbred Association. Mike Tanner, the USTA’s chief executive officer, was also on hand.

Proposal #1 – Saddle Pad Colors: REJECTED
Proposal #2 – Infield Pond Barriers: ACCEPTED*
Proposal #3 – Racing Official/Driver Conflict of Interest: REJECTED
Proposal #4 – “No Contest” Criteria: REJECTED
Proposal #5 – Stallion Syndicate Requirements: ACCEPTED
Proposal #6 – Partnership Listed Owners: TABLED
Proposal #7 – Horses 15 and Older: ACCEPTED
Proposal #8 – Claim Announcements: REJECTED
Proposal #9 – Two-Year-Olds on the Gate: ACCEPTED
Proposal #10 – Purse Money Distribution: REJECTED
Proposal #11 – Amateur Racing Licenses: REJECTED
Proposal #12 – Filing of Driver Objections: ACCEPTED
Proposal #13 – AI Following Castration or Death: ACCEPTED
Proposal #14 – Monthly Breeding Reporting: REJECTED
Proposal #15 – Live Foals > 140 Limit: REJECTED
Proposal #16 – Live Foals > 140 Limit: REJECTED
Proposal #17 – Embryo Transfer Restrictions: REJECTED
Proposal #18 – SIP Membership Category: ACCEPTED
Proposal #19 – District 6 Track Directors: ACCEPTED
Proposal #20 – Roll Call Votes: ACCEPTED
Proposal #21 – Anti-Harassment: ACCEPTED

*Amended rule proposal language to delete “and recommend the pond to be supported with a stone or concrete bottom.”