Columbus, OH – The U.S. Trotting Association has added three new chart comment abbreviations to give racing officials the ability to provide more precise detail in documenting incidents during a race while providing greater detail and transparency for participants, handicappers and fans.
The new abbreviations that are being added to charts and program pages are:
- DI – Driver Caused Interference
- RG – Rough Gaited
- OG – Off Gate (prefix code used to indicate a horse was off the starting gate at the start)
By expanding the available charting terminology, racing officials will be able to better define those specific circumstances that occurred during a race, creating a more complete record for handicappers and industry participants reviewing past performances.
“The USTA continues to refine and enhance the racing information that we provide and many of the improvements we make come directly from listening to the industry and identifying areas where we can provide better information,” said USTA Chief Operating Officer TC Lane. “This is another example of the ongoing work taking place behind the scenes to improve the racing product. Some changes are larger and more visible, such as program layout and presentation, while others like these, are more focused on the details that ultimately enhance the information being delivered.”
Michele Kopiec, USTA racetrack operations & licensing manager, noted the benefits that the expanded charting options will have in assisting the ability of racing officials to provide more specific and consistent descriptions of incidents that occur during a race.
“Having the proper terminology available allows officials to more accurately describe what occurred during a race,” said Kopiec. “These additions help create a clearer record of the trip that a horse had, the circumstances that impacted its performance, and provide additional information for everyone reviewing the chart afterward.”
The addition of these abbreviations represents another step in the USTA’s continued effort to improve both the presentation of and the details within racing information. As racing programs, data presentation, and charting information continue to evolve, the focus remains on creating a more complete and valuable resource for horseplayers, owners, trainers, and participants.
The new abbreviations are now available for use by racing officials throughout North America. For a complete list of USTA chart and entry/result abbreviations, click here.