Auburn, ME – The District 9 membership met on Saturday (Jan. 17) at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Despite snowy afternoon conditions, 12 members were in attendance for the meeting.
Directors present were Chairperson Don Marean, Christopher McErlean, Steve O’Toole and Dr. Tim Powers.
A total of nine rule change proposals were reviewed during the meeting. The following actions were taken:
- Resigning membership while under investigation – Approved
- Horse race fatalities reported to USTA — Approved
- Shoes off/shoes on — Approved as amended*
- Horse retirement contribution from claims – Approved
- Start caps for 2- and 3-year-olds – Approved as amended*
- Deposit for appeals – Approved
- Stallion Cap of 160 Mares – Rejected
- Standardbred as embryo transfer recipient mare – Approved
- Executive committee composition – Approved
*Amendment details:
- Item 3: Rule 6.15(b)(14) approved; items 1 and 2 of Rule 702(o) struck.
- Item 5: Amendment approved to apply to 2-year-olds only.
In addition to rule proposal discussions, Don Marean was reelected Chairperson of District 9 for the 2026 term.
USTA members are reminded that they may vote online through their USTA account, found by visiting myaccount.ustrotting.com through Feb. 1, 2026.