Nicholas DeVita Indefinitely Suspended by USTA Pending Investigation

Nicholas F. DeVita, the Middletown, New York harness trainer, has been placed under an indefinite USTA suspension pending an ongoing investigation into alleged failures to furnish records requested by the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund. The United States Trotting Association announced the disciplinary action in late February 2026; Harnesslink reports the action was issued on February 23 and listed as effective February 24, 2026, while an original USTA notice was reported on February 28, 2026.

The disciplinary papers cite two specific membership rule violations: USTA Rule 26.16 for “failure to submit information” and USTA Article §1.04(a)(7) for “failure to furnish information requested to supplement a membership application.” Harnesslink summarizes the bulletin: “The action, issued on February 23, relates to alleged breaches of USTA Rule 26.16 (failure to submit information) and USTA Article §1.04(a)(7), which covers failure to furnish information requested to supplement a membership application.”

The procedural record in public bulletins is mixed. Ustrottingnews printed a January entry stating “DEVITA, NICHOLAS F MIDDLETOWN, NY YOB 1985 USTA on 11/21/2025 RESTORED TO GOOD STANDING(RES) AS OF 1/28/2026” and a “Subsequent Ruling” that “Nicholas DeVita has complied with a request for information from the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund (SRIF). Consequently, Mr. DeVita is no longer in violation of USTA §26.16 (Failure to Submit Information). His suspension has been lifted, and his USTA membership has been restored to good standing.” By contrast, Harnesslink reports that the February action states DeVita “did not provide records and information requested by the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund (SRIF).”

Harnesslink further notes the suspension status as of February 24, 2026 is listed as “Stayed,” explaining that “the enforcement of the suspension is temporarily on hold pending further proceedings or review.” The bulletin classifies DeVita as a “person not in good standing” under USTA Rule 4.130, a designation that triggers restrictions under Rules 20.15, 20.17, 22.05, 22.06, and 26.12 and places any registered Standardbreds connected to him under heightened scrutiny. Harnesslink states the USTA “will closely scrutinize any attempted transfers of ownership interests in registered Standardbred horses owned by DeVita” and that members have been advised to consult USTA officials before engaging in transactions involving his horses.

The disciplinary action arrives against the backdrop of the Seth Fishman doping prosecution. New York Focus reported DeVita told regulators, “I had no relationship or even contact whatsoever with Dr. Fishman at any time,” and that he “hadn’t bought anything from the veterinarian since 2017.” New York Focus also reports that trial evidence contradicts that claim, showing DeVita bought drugs from Fishman “as late as 2019.” Fishman is “now serving an 11-year sentence for running an international doping ring,” and New York Focus reported at least 280 purchasers collectively have “won over $40 million since the veterinarian’s conviction,” while only 12 people were convicted as co-conspirators.

The case has operational consequences for owners and race entries. USTA bulletins warn transfers of ownership interests tied to DeVita may be declined if they do not comply with Rules and Bylaws, and the “person not in good standing” status restricts interactions under multiple rule sections. Meanwhile, New York Focus noted that DeVita was still racking up wins on the track; one anecdote recorded Heave Away’s late victory at Yonkers Raceway as “the 153rd victory of the year for the horse’s trainer, Nicholas DeVita.”

At present the record shows a restoration to good standing on January 28, 2026 in one bulletin and a separate indefinite suspension issued in late February 2026 with enforcement “Stayed.” The USTA and SRIF have set in motion a process that will determine whether the February action supersedes the January ruling; until those proceedings conclude, ownership transfers and entries tied to DeVita will be subject to close review. Further updates are expected as the USTA’s investigative and disciplinary processes continue.