Columbus, OH – The U.S. Trotting Association’s District 6 Board of Directors and members met Friday (Jan. 9) at the Beach Club restaurant in Delray Beach, Fla., to discuss matters pertinent to the harness racing industry and to issue recommendations on nine rule change proposals submitted.
Joe Pennacchio, who was reelected as district chairman during the meeting, led the proceedings. He was joined by fellow directors Cara Collins, Steve Oldford, Dr. Andy Roberts, and Dein Spriggs. Director Chris Antonacci participated by phone, and USTA CEO Mike Tanner moderated the rule change voting.
Following are the results:
- Resigning membership while under investigation – APPROVED
- Horse race fatalities reported to USTA— TABLED
- Shoes off/shoes on — REJECTED
- Horse retirement contribution from claims— APPROVED
- 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 – APPROVED
- Executive committee composition – APPROVED
District voting results will be presented to the USTA Board of Directors when that body convenes in Columbus, Ohio, from Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8, 2026. Members are reminded that they can cast their votes online through their USTA accounts.