USTA implementing new rule to better inform public of shoeing changes

I read Bob Pandolfo’s comments on shoeing information, and I do agree with the basic point that he tries to make. Bettors should know when a horse is racing barefoot or has shoes put back on, no question. We can all agree that it can be important handicapping information and of late, much more commonplace today.

I do think, though, that the industry deserves a little credit for the work that has already gone into addressing it. The USTA board of directors has already approved a rule that takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Rule 6.15(b)(14) states:

“Standardized symbols for shoeing information to include front shoes off, hind shoes off, all shoes off, any of the first-time changes from the previous race’s shoeing.”

That’s not something still being kicked around. It has been approved and has an effective date and will be displayed on Jan. 1, 2027. We’ve also been working with staff from Standardbred Canada to develop a uniform North American approach and that is in place. There is another proposal in the current rule making process that would require the trainer to declare their shoeing intention at the time of entry. That aspect will ultimately be decided in March.

I understand the frustration when the information isn’t in the program today. But there’s a difference between the information not being available yet and the industry not doing anything about it. There’s more involved than simply adding a symbol to a program. The information has to come from the trainer, get through the race office, be entered correctly into the USTA database and then make its way into the various program and wagering systems. Let alone, be tested and carried forward with downstream industry partners that provide the data to the masses in bulk. We want it to be accurate and consistent when it gets there.

That takes some work, especially when you’re trying to put a system in place that will work across the industry.

This is also where I think members can play a bigger role. The USTA has district meetings, the annual meeting, and a rulemaking process where members can bring these issues forward, ask questions and offer suggestions. I’d encourage Bob, and anyone else who has ideas on how we can do this better, to take advantage of those opportunities and have that conversation with the people working on it. The district meetings start in early October, so I encourage every USTA member to attend theirs.

That’s how the system is supposed to work. I’m all for continuing to ask what we can do better for the bettor. That’s a good thing. But I also think we need to recognize when the industry is actually working on something instead of making it sound like the issue is continuing to be ignored. Maybe all of that isn’t visible from the outside. That’s understandable. But a quick look at what has already been done would show that this is moving. We can always do more and we will. I just think it’s fair to point out that on this particular issue, the industry has listened, worked through the process, and is putting something in place.

TC Lane / USTA chief operating officer

Kudos to Gural and The Meadowlands

I just had to give props to Jeff Gural and The Meadowlands for the announcement today regarding the rejuvenated stakes schedule for next year. I will happily admit I was dead wrong whenI wrote last month that the loss of the Hambletonian was probably the end of racing at the track. With handle and attendance down this year, it just seemed logical that pulling the Hambletonian was the final nail in the coffin.

However long the track is able to keep going is debatable, but I’m glad hope still exists. I also hope Mr. Gural knows something I don’t regarding his casino chances since New Jersey is so complicated politically and geographically. I’ve always felt like a casino would never get through roadblocks established by the New York casino competition opposition and the dying Atlantic City competition. I hope I’m wrong again.

Finally, I love that the Dancer and the Miller are returning to elim and final format. Although, I hate eliminations from a bettors’ standpoint, divisions always end up with short five-to-seven horse fields usually with one or two heavy favorites.

Christopher Fenty / Mount Kisco, NY