The United States Trotting Association (USTA) has declared Nick Clegg, Betty Jo Clegg, and Kimber Clegg persons not in good standing pursuant to USTA Rule 4.130 following an investigation conducted by the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund (SRIF) on behalf of the USTA.
The action follows an investigation into a series of Standardbred ownership transfers and related financial activity involving horses registered in Kimber Clegg’s name. In November 2024, when Kimber’s mother Betty Jo was facing a possible suspension by Ohio racing officials, Kimber joined the USTA. Kimber had no prior involvement in the Standardbred industry. Betty Jo promptly transferred numerous racehorses into Kimber’s name. These and other circumstances cast doubt on the legitimacy of the transfers and whether the horses were registered in the names of their bona fide owners.
The USTA/SRIF Screening Committee approved a SRIF investigation of Nick, Betty Jo, and Kimber Clegg. These interviews raised concerns about the legitimacy of the transfers as well as the source of funds for dozens of horses acquired by Nick and Betty Jo in recent years. SRIF requested records and information from the Cleggs concerning the ownership, financial arrangements, disposition of the horses in question and related purse proceeds.
Although the Cleggs provided some materials to SRIF, substantial records and information were not produced. As a result, significant financial activity remained unexplained and transactions unaccounted for, including the disbursement of hundreds of thousands of dollars in purse proceeds earned by horses registered in Kimber’s name in 2025.
In November 2025, Nick, Betty Jo, and Kimber Clegg were suspended for failing to provide records and information as required by USTA Rule 26.16. Each appealed their suspensions, which were stayed pending appeal. While those appeals were pending, the Cleggs continued to provide materials to SRIF as the parties attempted to resolve the matter. The Cleggs ultimately ceased cooperating with the investigation, however, and declined to provide critical records and information necessary to verify the legitimacy of the registrations and transfers under investigation. The Cleggs elected not to proceed with their appeals and resigned their USTA memberships while the investigation remained pending.
As a result, the USTA declared the three individuals not in good standing under Rule 4.130. The prohibitions applicable to persons not in good standing under the USTA’s rules and bylaws therefore apply to them. These provisions make it a violation for USTA members to enter into ownership and professional associations involving registered Standardbreds with persons who are not in good standing with the Association, such as the Cleggs. See USTA Rules 20.15 (Trainer of Horse for Disbarred Person), 20.17 (Prohibitions Against Individuals Not in Good Standing), 22.05 (Effect of Penalty on a Horse), 22.06 (Participation by a Person or Entity not in Good Standing with the USTA or a Suspended, Disqualified, Excluded or Expelled Person, Entity or Horse), 26.12 (Fraudulent Transfer).
“Integrity does not happen by itself. It requires rules, a willingness to investigate when circumstances warrant it, and the diligence to follow those investigations wherever the facts lead,” said USTA President Russell Williams. “The USTA has a responsibility to its members, horsemen, owners and, most importantly, the horses and future of our sport to make sure our registration system and rules have meaning. That responsibility includes acting when the information available raises legitimate questions about ownership and compliance.”
Williams added, “SRIF has become an important part of that effort. Their role is to conduct thorough, fact-based investigations and to pursue the information necessary to understand what actually occurred. The USTA then has the responsibility to act on the results of those investigations within the authority provided by our rules. The process may take time, but it is important that the work be done carefully and that decisions rest on a sound factual and procedural foundation.”
The USTA and SRIF have worked together through an alliance established to address investigative matters affecting the integrity of the Standardbred industry. SRIF operates independently in its investigations, while the USTA retains responsibility for enforcing its rules and determining appropriate membership actions. The USTA has previously emphasized that effective cooperation among the USTA, SRIF, state racing commissions, racetracks, and other industry participants is essential to protecting the integrity of Standardbred racing.
“This is not about any one individual or single investigation,” Williams said. “It is about establishing an expectation throughout the industry that ownership should be legitimate and transparent, that members should comply with reasonable investigative requests, and that the rules apply when those expectations are not met. We owe that to the thousands of people who participate in this sport every day, do things the right way, and rely on the USTA to maintain a level playing field in the Standardbred industry.”
The USTA has also emphasized that its enforcement efforts are intended not only to address misconduct after it occurs, but to establish clear expectations for members and help prevent misconduct in the future. The Association has increased its investigative and regulatory resources and continues to work with SRIF and state authorities on matters involving ownership, licensing, registration, and other areas affecting the integrity of harness racing.
Members are advised to consult with the USTA regarding any transactions or activities involving registered Standardbreds connected to Nick Clegg, Betty Jo Clegg, or Kimber Clegg to ensure compliance with the USTA’s rules and bylaws.
(USTA)