Columbus, OH –  On Tuesday (Oct. 19), Chairperson Jeff Gregory and Directors Jacquie Ingrassia, Christopher McErlean, Jason Settlemoir, and Ashley Tetrick hosted the annual District 12 meeting via Zoom online.

Gregory began the meeting with an introduction of the other directors. The meeting included opening messages from USTA Executive Vice President/CEO Mike Tanner and USTA President Russell Williams.

The remainder of the agenda included a discussion of and voting on 26 rule change proposals.

Following are the results on the 2022 rule change proposals from District 12:

Rule Change Proposal and Voting Results

#1 (Medical assistance/back-up ambulance) – Approved
#2 (County fair charting timeline) – Approved
#3 (Microchip optional horses born before 2019) – Rejected
#4 (State vet regulation of microchips)  – Approved
#5 (Draw video and recording) – Approved
#6 (Blood samples for claims) – Approved
#7 (Voidable claims – injury) – Approved
#8 (Stakes payment dates) – Approved
#9 (Driver selection in stakes races) – Rejected
#10 (Interference before start) – Approved
#11 (Trainer continuing education) – Approved
#12 (Whip specifications) – Rejected
#13 (Breaking horse disqualification) – Rejected
#14 (Stallion limit increase) – Rejected
#15 (Charitable breedings offered) – Rejected
#16 (Outstanding horse names) – Approved
#17 (No horse name changes) – Rejected
#18 (ID of broodmares) – Approved
#19 (Embryo transfers) – Rejected
#20 (Parentage verifications) – Rejected
#21 (Horse ID requiring chip and FB) – Rejected
#22 (Breeder location) – Approved
#23 (Equestrian membership fees) – Approved
#24 (Addition of equestrian membership) – Approved
#25 (Universal election date for directors) – Approved
#26 (Trainer continuing education bylaw) – Approved

Following the vote on rule change proposals, Chairperson Gregory made general comments on improvements in racing and breeding in New Jersey, including the addition of new races for New Jersey breds at The Meadowlands.

The meeting commenced at 2 p.m. (EDT) and was adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

For the schedule of remaining USTA District Meetings, click here.