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The West Coast and Buller districts of the South Island is a region known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and strong connections to industries such as mining, forestry, and dairy farming. Also woven into the tapestry of this incredible community is the sport of harness racing, particularly in the town of Westport where local […]
Columbus, OH – The New York Times on Sunday (March 2) published a windy, one-sided opinion piece by former Rolling Stone editor Noah Shachtman entitled “Last Call for Horse Racing.” Below the title and photo of several Thoroughbreds in full stride, was a subheading. “Why are we paying billions for a sport that fans have lost interest in?” It […]
Columbus, OH — For the first time ever, harness racing in the U.S. and Canada will have a schedule of Graded and Restricted Graded Stakes races in 2025. The list of Grade 1, 2 and 3 was announced Monday (Jan. 6). During the inaugural year of the program, there will be a total of 171 […]
Columbus, OH – On Friday (July 5), the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals again ruled that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) is unconstitutional, dealing yet another blow to the controversial piece of legislation. This new ruling follows a Fifth Circuit decision in November 2022 that also found HISA unconstitutional. The U.S. Trotting […]
Columbus, OH — On Monday, the U.S. Trotting Association launched the new HarnessRacing.com website. HarnessRacing.com was previously owned and operated by Horseman and Fair World magazine, which ceased operations in January 2021. “HarnessRacing.com is a new, exciting and interactive website that aims to attract new fans and to further educate casual ones about harness racing. It also spotlights comprehensive information for […]
Columbus, OH – The U.S. Trotting Association announced on Monday (June 17) the launch of the beta version of a new Equine Health & Wellness Database (EHWD). The initial phase is for the collection of data. When sufficient data is available, it will all be made available to the public. Any current USTA member that […]
Executives from Standardbred Canada (SC) and the United States Trotting Association (USTA) met Tuesday, May 21 at the SC offices in Mississauga, Ont. to discuss mutual concerns and possible synergies between the two harness racing organizations. The meeting was organized by Darryl Kaplan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Standardbred Canada, who attended the USTA’s […]
Columbus, OH — Whether you and your organization are seeking to fill an open position, or you are someone who is looking for a job in the harness racing industry, the U.S. Trotting Association’s new website www.harnessracingjobs.com can be a valuable resource. “The purpose of the new harnessracingjobs.com website is to assist people and organizations in our […]
Columbus, OH – The third and final day of the 2024 U.S. Trotting Association Board of Directors Annual Meeting began at 9 a.m. on Sunday (March 10). USTA Financial Officer Dennis Fisher asked if there were any questions concerning the 2023 audited statements that were included in the packets and presented at Saturday’s (March 9) […]
Columbus, OH – The opening general session of the Board of Directors was the highlight of the second day of the U.S. Trotting Association’s annual harness racing meetings on Saturday (March 9). The day kicked off with the Executive Committee at 8:30 a.m. The General Opening Session, which commenced at 10 a.m., featured the introduction […]
Monticello, NY— Monticello Raceway’s Tuesday (Mar. 5) card was dominated by harness racing driver Gregory Merton, but Michael Merton and Caviart Reagan (Bettor’s Delight) wouldn’t let him take the $6,500 Open pace. Just Wave Goodbye (Thomas Merton) took the early lead, but was quickly overcome by Hopnroll Heaven (Gregory Merton) from the outside. Trevor’s Ace […]
Columbus, OH — U.S. Trotting Association President Russell Williams announced Tuesday (March 5) that Florida State Representative Dan Daley and Caesars Entertainment Senior Vice President Joe Morris are the recipients of the annual USTA President’s Awards. Williams will present the awards during a Recognition Luncheon on Saturday (March 9) as part of the USTA Board of […]
Muscle Bank (Muscle Hill) made it two from two in the $20,000 Seddon Shield Series Marlborough Trotters Cup at Waterlea Raceway today (Jan. 21) for young harness racing trainer Tom Bamford. After a number of lead changes driver Sam Thornley waited patiently at the back with Muscle Bank and with a lap to run became […]
BEDFORD PA – The Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, and the Pennsylvania Fair Harness Horsemen’s Association held their annual banquet in conjunction with the USTA District 7 meeting, with the dinner hosted at the Omni Resort Bedford and some 140 people attending. The focus was on the top performers during the […]
BEDFORD PA – The largest gathering for a USTA District meeting this harness racing season east of Des Moines came to the Omni Resort Bedford in this southwestern Pennsylvania town for the District 7 annual meeting on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 20). District 7 Chairman Sam Beegle presided over the meeting; fellow District director Rich Gillock […]
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation today (Dec. 13) that prevents the slaughter of racehorses and racehorse breeding stock in the state for human or animal consumption. According to the governor’s website, “Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to prevent equine cruelty to recognize National Day of the Horse. Legislation S.2163B/A.5109A prohibits the slaughter […]
Columbus, OH — Norah (Nonie) McDermott (nee Kane), 91, died Nov. 7, 2023. Born in Renvyle By The Sea, County Galway, Ireland, she immigrated to the United States in 1950 and lived in Boston, Mass. She later moved to Kearny in 1961 and lived there for 40 years before moving to Toms River, N.J. Soon after, […]
