by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach

Columbus, OH — The Speed Racking Group’s third annual Celebration & Trail Ride was held over Easter weekend at the East Fork Stable in Jamestown, Tenn.

Racking horses, most notably Standardbreds — 95 percent come from off the track — came from all over to participate in this fundraiser for Shiners Hospitals for Children.

Susie Wright photo

Sherry Hall presents the USTA trophy to Speed Pacing Championship winner MJ’s Dreamboat and rider Kenny Joe Niece.

The USTA sponsored the Speed Pacing Championship, which was won by MJ’s Dreamboat and rider Kenny Joe Niece of Jackson, Ky. An 8-year-old gelding by Sadies Dreamboat, MJ’s Dreamboat made a couple qualifying starts in Chicago, never made a purse start but has shown great straightaway speed. Reserve went to MC Murph, an 8-year-old gelding by Blissfull Hall, and rider Nic Leger of Brodhead, Ky.

Plans are already in the works for the 2013 event. If you would like more information on speed racking Standardbreds, contact Susie Wright at susiew5000@aol.com.

Since 1996, the USTA’s Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public on the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. Programs are now in place for five different disciplines: dressage, driving, endurance, roadster and speed racking.

For more information about the Standardbred Equine Program at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.