14 rule and BY LAW PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO THE USTA

[Checked Up]

I just looked at some of the new proposals submitted for approval industry wide to the U.S.T.A! . A few I feel were a long time coming and a few to assist with the Gamblers information. Things like declaring a horse that will race without shoes must be declared at time of entry,also adding trotting hopples between heats would no longer be permitted ect ect. Look them over on the USTA site and see what yall  think would be positive or negative adjustments!!

[Meadow Ford]

Will Ms. Naja also want to outlaw hobbles on pacers for the same reasons?
How about headpoles?
Why would someone propose a rule change that has zero chance to pass ?

[sledge hammer]

I agree the banning of hobbles is dumb... I will however not mind going back to when you had the qualify if you wanted to add hobbles. Now they come on and off and it's very easy to miss in the program.

[Grandstand Handicapper]

Anything contributing to transparency, disclosure, and more information is a positive step. I haven't read it yet, but the shoes/no shoes topic is a hot one, for obvious reasons, LOL.

[Meadow Ford]

Anything contributing to transparency, disclosure, and more information is a positive step. I haven't read it yet, but the shoes/no shoes topic is a hot one, for obvious reasons, LOL.

IMHO
The problem with shoes on/off is the trainer in many cases will not know what he wants to do till after the last warm up mile.
Track condition and weather forcast are major factors.

[Checked Up]

How about the fee for Import Registration going from $375 to FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!?? Talk about a money grab! That's downright Highway Robbery IMO,!,

[Checked Up]

How about the increase for Import Registration going from $375 to $5,000! Talk about a money grab,yeash!

[Checked Up]

Sorry yall,looks like my dementia is getting worse!

[Dingus]

I like proposal 5 regarding video of the draw.

I dislike proposal 1 regarding elimination of the additional claiming allowance on females, especially in trotting races since many times they have to race against males.

[Grandstand Handicapper]

IMHO
The problem with shoes on/off is the trainer in many cases will not know what he wants to do till after the last warm up mile.
Track condition and weather forcast are major factors.

That is exactly the problem. However, the simple solution is to have a rigid reporting process and enforce it! Once it's reported, it can be announced, put on the board, and so on. I would say even go as far as announcing in the post parade as well. It may not be ideal, but it's better than it was.

[Grandstand Handicapper]

I like proposal 5 regarding video of the draw.

I dislike proposal 1 regarding elimination of the additional claiming allowance on females, especially in trotting races since many times they have to race against males.

The t-breds are doing the draw on zoom now, but that is predominantly because they have jockey agents who need to attend the draw, and many of them work remotely. Regardless, simple step-----do the draw on zoom and anybody can attend. I've watched the draw with the t-breds, and owners, trainers, jockey agents, and others attend.

[Grandstand Handicapper]

I like proposal 5 regarding video of the draw.

I dislike proposal 1 regarding elimination of the additional claiming allowance on females, especially in trotting races since many times they have to race against males.

The additional claiming allowance for F/M was always a contentious topic.

[Checked Up]

I view the allowance for the female's to be a sort of" Insurance Premium" in case of any performance issues or lameness since they can contribute to racing by  becoming a broodmare. I have seen a  few mares that were claimed specifically for the breeding pen.

[Grandstand Handicapper]

I view the allowance for the female's to be a sort of" Insurance Premium" in case of any performance issues or lameness since they can contribute to racing by  becoming a broodmare. I have seen a  few mares that were claimed specifically for the breeding pen.

I think part of the reason few are claimed for breeding is because they just don't get to that point in their career. Even if a filly/mare is racing well, if they are worth money as a broodmare, nobody is going to put them in a claimer-----at least not for anything close to what she's worth. Last time I had a mare with pedigree value and her racing career wasn't over, she couldn't compete at the Meadowlands, or YR, without a tag, so I shipped her out of town to race her. But, I agree with the insurance premium concept. It's still a good idea. Might not fly though, LOL.

[Meadow Ford]

Term limits for USTA Directors.
I agree!
What I find interesting is the sponsor.
Ellen Harvey. Daughter of Hambo winner Harry Harvey. Ellen has been involved with the USTA for many many years. She has given many reports to directors at the annual meetings. She may well know the interworkings of the USTA and more past and present directors then anyone.