from the USTA Communications Department

Pompano Beach, FL — Led by district chairman Alan Leavitt, members of the United States Trotting Association’s District 6 met Friday afternoon (Jan. 30) at the Pompano Elks Club in Pompano Beach, Fla., to discuss USTA activities and goals and to consider 10 rule change proposals that are to be debated by the USTA’s full board of directors in mid-March.

In addition to Mr. Leavitt, members in attendance were joined by USTA directors Jay Sears and Brett Revington, as well as Mike Tanner, USTA executive vice president.

Chairman Leavitt convened the meeting at 4:30 p.m. and informed the gathering that in addition to himself, directors Jerry Haws and Frank Antonacci were unopposed for re-election this year and thus would serve new, three-year terms. Mr. Leavitt will continue on as district chairman.

At the chairman’s request, Mr. Tanner conducted the discussion of the rule change proposals. The district voted on each respective issue as follows:

Proposal #1 (Pylons): Tabled, suggested referral to USTA Driver/Trainer Committee
Proposal #2 (Ownership interest): Tabled
Proposal #3 (RUS qualifications): Accepted
Proposal #4 (Foot out of stirrup): Accepted
Proposal #5 (RUS violations): Accepted
Proposal #6 (RUS weigh-in, -out): Accepted
Proposal #7 (Hobbles discretion): Accepted with amendment of declaration at time of entry
Proposal #8 (RUS protocols): Accepted
Proposal #9 (Registration, DNA): Rejected
Proposal #10 (Fair membership fee): Accepted

The meeting concluded at 5:45 p.m. Following adjournment, Jay Sears advised that he would be resigning his directorship, effective immediately, in order to devote more time to his family and horses. A popular and hard-working USTA director since 1992, Mr. Sears indicated that he would still be available to assist and advise the organization and its members whenever called upon.

In accordance with USTA Bylaw 5.04, the remaining District 6 directors will elect a replacement director who will serve until the next scheduled District 6 meeting.

Following the district meeting, the Florida chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association hosted its 24th annual Hall of Fame Awards banquet, a festive affair attended by a “Who’s Who” of the state’s harness racing scene and emceed by the inimitable John Berry, himself a member of the Florida Hall of Fame Communicators Corner.

More than two dozen equine divisional and recognition awards were distributed, topped by Hall of Fame laurels being accorded to owner/trainer/breeder Thomas Audley; trainer/driver Louis Rapone; owners/breeders and longtime Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association board members Christine Garrity and Anthony Amante; and Garrity and Amante’s iron horse campaigner, Pompano Park fan favorite Hearty Fellow.