The Indiana Standardbred Breed Development Program and Indiana Horse Racing Commission is proud to announce that Joyse Banister has been named the Standardbred Breed Development Program Coordinator.
Banister has been the Breed Development Residency Coordinator for three years for the commission prior to this appointment; however, her involvement in the harness racing industry equals a lifetime. Her father, Royse Waltz, was a trainer and driver on the Indiana fair racing circuit for years, campaigning great horses such as Candy Quick and Hoosier Frost. While in college, Banister obtained her fair driving license in a time when not many females were racing.
A graduate of Purdue University, Banister’s first foray into managing the regulations of the program were from 1980-1985 when she was the secretary for the Indiana Standardbred Board of Regulations under then Lt. Governor John Mutz, and for the commission in carrying out their regulatory charge by working in the test barn at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino for 14 years.
As the program coordinator, Banister will be in charge of maintaining nominations and points for the lucrative Indiana Sire Stakes and Indiana-Sired Fair Circuit. She will also be working with Jessica Barnes, the commission’s Director of Racing and Breed Development to continue building one of the nation’s strongest harness racing programs.
“Horses are my life, and I’ve always believed horse people are good people,” says Banister. “I’m thrilled to be continuing my father’s legacy in the harness racing business, while doing my part to continue growing our program within Indiana and nationally.”
Taking over for Banister as the Breed Development Residency Coordinator is Lorelei Masshardt, formerly the Breed Development Clerk. Masshardt, a native of Mount Horeb, Wisc., and graduate of Purdue University-Calumet with a degree in equine business management was hired by the commission initially as a full-time summer intern for the fair circuit in 2015, following a stint as a part-time intern during the summer of 2014. She then moved into her full-time position in late 2015.
As the residency coordinator, she’ll be working closely with Inspector Randy Dever and accepting registrations for all Standardbred stallions, mares and foals. Additionally, she will oversee the administration of the inspections for both the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Breed Development Programs.
“I love the excitement of horse racing, and I love that everyone at the commission works really hard to make our program one of the best in the country,” says Masshardt.
“The commission is lucky to have such dedicated individuals like Joyse and Lorelei,” says Barnes. “I’m looking forward to seeing what both can achieve in their new roles, as well as learning from them myself.”
Both ladies have already started working for the 2019 racing season, with the first set of nominations for the Indiana-Sired Fair Circuit and Indiana Sire Stakes due March 15. This year looks to be an exciting one with a new format for the sire stakes and increased attention on the fair circuit.
(Indiana Horse Racing Commission)