Portland, ME — USTA District 9 held its annual district meeting of membership at the Regency Hotel in Portland, Maine, on Saturday (Jan. 28).

District directors for track members present were Stephen O’Toole and Lenny Calderone. Membership directors present were Dr. Tim Powers and Don Marean with George Ducharme joining by phone.

Chairperson Don Marean opened the meeting and welcomed the membership and gave the usual reports and updates. Rule changes were discussed and voted on, the report is below. The proposed rule changes for 2023 may be found here.

RULE CHANGE RESULTS:

Proposal #1 – Saddle Pad Colors: REJECTED
Proposal #2 – Infield Pond Barriers: ACCEPTED as amended to read “shall be enclosed with a fence or barrier.”
Proposal #3 – Racing Official/Driver Conflict of Interest: REJECTED
Proposal #4 – “No Contest” Criteria: ACCEPTED
Proposal #5 – Stallion Syndicate Requirements: ACCEPTED
Proposal #6 – Partnership Listed Owners: TABLED
Proposal #7 – Horses 15 and Older: ACCEPTED as amended, deleting subsection (d).
Proposal #8 – Claim Announcements: REJECTED
Proposal #9 – Two-Year-Olds on the Gate: ACCEPTED as amended to add “at extended pari-mutuel tracks.”
Proposal #10 – Purse Money Distribution: REJECTED
Proposal #11 – Amateur Racing Licenses: REJECTED
Proposal #12 – Filing of Driver Objections: ACCEPTED
Proposal #13 – AI Following Castration or Death: ACCEPTED
Proposal #14 – Monthly Breeding Reporting: REJECTED
Proposal #15 – Live Foals > 140 Limit: REJECTED
Proposal #16 – Live Foals > 140 Limit: REJECTED
Proposal #17 – Embryo Transfer Restrictions: REJECTED
Proposal #18 – SIP Membership Category: ACCEPTED
Proposal #19 – District 6 Track Directors: ACCEPTED
Proposal #20 – Roll Call Votes: REJECTED
Proposal #21 – Anti-Harassment: ACCEPTED

Don Marean was re-elected chairperson for District 9.