Columbus, OH — After months of research, the U.S. Trotting Association has identified an independent insurance company, Coverlink, that will provide starter’s insurance, which solves a major problem that was facing the harness racing industry.

The U.S. Trotting Association has identified an independent insurance company, Coverlink, that will provide starter’s insurance. USTA/Mark Hall photo.

A failure to resolve the situation would have had dire consequences upon the hundreds of fair meets presented every year, as well as possible financial challenges that many of the pari-mutuel member tracks might face in the future.

Coverlink Insurance is independent of the USTA.

“We are pleased to report that a solution has been reached, and that the USTA is now able to direct interested parties to coverage,” said USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner. “Most of the credit has to go to USTA COO TC Lane for his diligent oversight of the project; he was, per usual, relentlessly focused on seeing it to completion. In addition, kudos and thanks also to USTA director Dr. Andy Roberts and Caesars’ racing chief Joe Morris, who scoured the country for leads and contact information.”

Licensed starters should contact Randy Leopard, vice president of Coverlink Insurance, who is also an Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association board member. He can be reached at 937.215.8313. To learn more about Coverlink Insurance, visit their website at www.coverlink.com.

“Randy has done a tremendous job in working on behalf of the industry and is deserving of our thanks and appreciation,” added Tanner.

While Coverlink has stepped in to fill a void, all starters must apply individually and are not guaranteed to be approved. In addition, it is anticipated that many will see a slight increase in premium cost, but the alternative is not being able to obtain insurance.

Starters are also welcome to seek other insurance carriers on their own.