The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) held their monthly meeting Monday, March 6 and discussed several new services for the horsemen and horsewomen of Indiana. Led by President John DeLong, the board approved four items on the agenda to go into effect as soon as possible.
Mike McDaniel addresses the ISA Board about recent activity in Indiana legislative session Monday, March 6 at the montly board meeting. Photo by Tammy Knox
The meeting started off with an update from Mike McDaniel, lobbyist for the ISA. McDaniel told the group of recent topics in the current legislative session and noted several bills that would affect the Indiana Standardbred industry, including I-Gaming, had not proceeded in the session. The second half of the session began Monday, March 6 and although the bill could be reinserted in the budget at a later date, the possibility is slim at this point. McDaniel said they will continue to keep an eye on the I-Lottery bill, but again, felt it would not be a topic in the second half of the session.
McDaniel also noted the good work by Adam Kallick, Tony Renz and the two other breeds had done. He said all three breeds worked together to be part of the I-Gaming conversation if it had moved forward.
ISA Director Randy Hatton discussed an opportunity for a new service at the ISA Clinic. The current policy does not allot for blood draws at the clinic. The board approved the implementation of three blood draws moving forward. These blood draws will be a result of a recommendation by the nurse practitioner upon examination of a patient. The blood draws may now be done in the clinic rather than referring the patient to another medical location at no expense to the Indiana horsemen or horsewomen.
The Backside Improvements committee reported roof and window installation in progress at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Also, the board will explore additional lighting in the barns with track management. President DeLong noted the new tote board has arrived at Harrah’s Hoosier Park and installation will take place later in March with some disruption in training possible but will be kept at a minimum.
ISA Executive Director Tony Renz asked for approval of yard signs to cover all county fair locations for the 2023 racing season. He noted a special group recently met to find ways to promote fair racing, including the implementation of yard signs both before and during each session.
ISA Director Emily Dever provided the board with a social media plan which will bring more exposure to the organization and the Standardbred industry. The board unanimously approve the proposal from Larison Media, which will be implemented in the next few weeks.
Several upcoming dates were announced. The first qualifiers are set for Saturday, March 11. The ISA Welcome Back Bowling Party will be held Sunday, April 2 from 6 – 8 PM at Championship Lanes in Anderson. ISA Night at the Races will be held Saturday, April 22 and the ISA Golf Outing will be held Monday, May 15.
Other items on the agenda included an update on the ISA Website, which has been “cleaned up” to be more user friendly and more organized for those seeking information.
The ISA Board will hold their next meeting Monday, April 3 at the ISA Office in Greenfield, Ind.