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U.S. Trotting Association Celebrates ‘100 Years in Harness’ with New Book

Columbus, Ohio (May 1, 2008) – “100 Years in Harness” was written and edited by Nicole Kraft. It showcases the beauty and historical significance of the sport of harness racing in the U.S. from 1900 through 1999, through the lenses of USTA photographers. Ms. Kraft has captured harness racing’s place in the burgeoning nation with images gleaned from the USTA archives, the most expansive collection of Standardbred photos in the world.

The book, slated for release on July 1, is organized in chapters that represent the decades of the 20th Century, and features photos of famous horses and people of the time periods, as well as scenes and circumstances that show harness racing’s place in the growing nation.

Charles Leerhsen, author of “Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, The Most Famous Horse in America,” and an executive editor of Sports Illustrated, said of the book, “[It’s] an enchanting journey through one of America's oldest and most beautiful sports. As soon as I finished, I wanted to start all over again. Put it on your list of essential sports books.”

Ms. Kraft is the executive editor of the award-winning Hoof Beats magazine, the world’s leading publication devoted to Standardbreds and harness racing. This is her first book.

The United States Trotting Association represents nearly 24,000 Standardbred racing and breeding professionals. It administers the stud book; collects and disseminates industry records; communicates—and educates—those interested in the sport and breed through its monthly magazine, Hoof Beats, and via the Internet; formulates the rules of racing; licenses drivers and trainers; and acts in the interests of its members by advancing integrity in the industry and promoting harness racing and Standardbred horses on all fronts.

“100 Years in Harness” is available for $24.95. To order, visit http://shop.ustrotting.com or call (614) 224.2291, ext. 2. For a review copy of “100 Years in Harness,” or to interview Ms. Kraft, send an e-mail to 100years@ustrotting.com, or call (614) 224-2291, ext. 2.

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