Columbus, OH – The United States Trotting Association’s District 3 held its annual membership meeting virtually for the first time, with approximately 10 participants joining to review proposed rule changes and discuss ongoing industry initiatives.
The meeting, led by District Chairperson Ivan Axelrod, along with the other district directors, Sal DiMario and Ben Kenney, presented nine rule change proposals up for member vote. Updates were also provided on efforts to revive harness racing in California, including potential relocation plans from Cal Expo to the Fresno Fairgrounds, with racing dates under consideration for 2026 and 2027.
Among the key proposals discussed was an amendment to Rule 4.130, expanding “not in good standing” provisions to include individuals who resign membership while under investigation — a change supported by both the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund and USTA leadership to strengthen integrity and transparency.
Other rule proposals addressed race safety and welfare, including a requirement for judges to report equine fatalities within 72 hours and a rule mandating that shoe changes be recorded in race lines beginning January 1, 2027.
A proposed 3% claiming race retirement fee was tabled for further discussion at the annual meeting (noting that this would be in addition to the already existing $5/transfer fee that members currently support) while a proposal to limit the number of starts for 2- and 3-year-olds was rejected in favor of exploring other options.
Debate continued with breeding-related issues, including proposals to adjust the mare-to-stallion ratio and to restrict embryo transfers to recipient mares to only registered Standardbreds beginning in 2029. Both measures drew thoughtful discussion, with scientific and ethical considerations guiding the conversation. Finally, the meeting approved an amendment to bylaw 9.01(a)(5), expanding the USTA Executive Committee to include one membership director from each district — a move aimed at ensuring fair representation across the organization.
The results of the nine proposals were:
- Resigning membership while under investigation – APPROVED
- Horse race fatalities reported to USTA— APPROVED
- Shoes off/shoes on — APPROVED
- Horse retirement contribution from claims— TABLED
- Start caps for 2- and 3-year-olds — REJECTED
- Deposit for appeals — APPROVED
- Stallion Cap of 160 Mares— REJECTED
- Standardbred as embryo transfer recipient mare – REJECTED
- Executive committee composition – APPROVED
Axelrod, who will retain his seat as chair, closed the session by thanking participants and emphasizing the importance of collaboration as the District 3 team continues to work toward reestablishing live racing opportunities in California.
Members are encouraged to follow along throughout the district meeting season, as the remaining districts will convene to discuss key topics specific to their regions and cast votes on the proposed initiatives as well. The outcomes of these district votes will be compiled and presented to the full USTA Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting in March 2026.
A complete schedule of district meetings, including agendas and post-meeting recaps, is available here.
Members are also reminded that they can cast their votes online through their USTA accounts. Full details and instructions can be found via this link.