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NTRA Webcast Has International Appeal

More than 3,000 registered viewers from 38 countries watched Zenyatta remain undefeated in 17 starts in the grade I Vanity Handicap during a live webcast, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association said.

NTRA Launches Virtual Horse Racing Game

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association on June 7 announced the official release of the NTRA Virtual Horse Racing Game at its website.

Industry Hoping to Avoid ADW Disruptions

The pari-mutuel industry is taking steps to avoid disruptions to advance deposit wagering stemming from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

NTRA Board Reaffirms Support for Organization

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association is moving on in the wake of the defection of Churchill Downs Inc. for at least this year.

NTRA: 'Punching Bag' or Valued Resource?

As the National Thoroughbred Racing Association prepares for its June 3 board of directors meeting in New York amid a changing landscape, the organization's biggest challenge could very well be industry perception.

NTRA: Balanced Budget, Board Changes in Works

Operating revenue for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association was down 45.2% in 2009 from 2008, but expenses were down 47.5% year-to-year, leading the organization to suggest it should have a balanced budget for 2010.

NTRA, Jockey Club Respond to Congressmen

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Jockey Club have released their responses to two members of Congress requesting an update on steps the horse racing industry has taken to address equine health and safety.

Read Responses

NTRA Defection Won't Impact Churchill BC

The defection of Churchill Downs Inc. from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association won't impact Churchill Downs' hosting of this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships.

Pimlico Earns Full Safety Accreditation

All three Triple Crown host racetracks are now fully accredited by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance.

American Stalls Newest NTRA Corporate Partner

American Stalls also becomes an NTRA Advantage partner, offering a variety of premium quality permanent and portable stalls.

CDI Won't Renew NTRA Membership for 2010

Churchill Downs Inc., operator of four major racetracks in the United States, has informed the National Thoroughbred Racing Association via letter it won't renew its membership for 2010.

Super Saver Tops New NTRA Poll

It's no surprise that Super Saver, winner of the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), is the new No. 1 on this week's NTRA 3-Year-Old Poll.

Racing Industry Gets Congressional Inquiry

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall and U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield requested detailed answers on the progress of drug testing and monitoring and racetrack safety from industry leaders.

NTRA to Stream Lexington Stakes Live

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association will offer free, live video streaming of the April 17 Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II) from Keeneland on their website, NTRA.com.

2010 Safety and Integrity Standards Approved

The updated code of standards released last month by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance has been approved by the full NTRA board of directors.

Eskendereya Tops Latest NTRA 3YO Poll

Wood Memorial winner leapfrogs Lookin At Lucky to top spot; Zenyatta remains on top of National poll.

Woodbine Receives NTRA Accreditation

The NTRA announced March 29 that Woodbine Racetrack has been fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. The Ontario, Canada track received 'best practice' ratings in several areas.

NTRA Barbaro Fund to Help Equine Research

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced March 25 that NTRA Charities has established the Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research.

NTRA.com to Stream Florida Derby Live

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association's website, NTRA.com, will offer free, live video streaming of the March 20 Florida Derby (gr. I) from Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla.

Gretchen Jackson Joins NTRA Subcommittee

Gretchen Jackson, who owned Barbaro with her husband Roy, has joined an NTRA subcommittee focused on the care of retired racehorses. The subcommittee also works on improving standards for racetracks, industry participants.

Safety Alliance Releases Updated Standards

As expected, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance has updated its code of standards to include wagering security measures.

Live Video of Rachel, Zenyatta on NTRA.com

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association is launching a Webcast called NTRA Live!, which features original programming and live video of key races, including the 2010 debuts of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta March 13.

Zenyatta, Eskendereya Top First NTRA Polls

Two-time Eclipse Award winner Zenyatta (National), and Fountain of Youth winner Eskendreya (3-Year-Old) top the first NTRA polls of 2010.

Rachel Alexandra Won't Run in Apple Blossom

Jess Jackson said Rachel Alexandra won't run against undefeated champion Zenyatta in the Apple Blossom (gr. I), but he proposed a three-race series in which the two talented female runners would meet.

Zenyatta Wins NTRA 'Moment of the Year'

The historic victory by the undefeated Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) -- the first in the race by a female -- has been voted the 2009 National Thoroughbred Racing Association Moment of the Year.

TVG to Air Exclusive Eclipse Awards Coverage

TVG will broadcast exclusive live coverage of the 39th annual Eclipse Awards from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on January 18.

Eclipse Finalists Will Be Announced Jan. 6

Awards ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 18 in California.

Aqueduct Fully Accredited by Safety Alliance

Aqueduct will reopen Dec. 26 after the Christmas break with full accreditation from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance in hand.

NTRA Safety Alliance Accredits Fair Grounds

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans has been fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility.

NTRA Advantage to Offer Prescription Cards

The NTRA announced Dec. 10 that United Networks of America has entered into a five-year agreement with NTRA Advantage. The program is free and offers discounts of up to 30%.

Fans to Vote on Racing's Moment of the Year

Zenyatta, who garnered the 2008 NTRA Moment of the Year for her victory in last year's Ladies' Classic, may again win the favor of fans for her memorable triumph over males in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Alliance Report: Progress But Much More to Do

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance received a positive review from its independent monitor Dec. 8 but was also told it has a lot of work to do.

NTRA Projecting 25% Reduction in Budget

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association expects to approve a 2010 budget that's about 25% smaller than this year's spending plan, president and chief executive officer Alex Waldrop said.

Internet Bet Regulations Delayed Six Months

Horse racing officials said the industry bought some time with the announcement regulations tied to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act won't take effect until June 1, 2010.

Change in Horse of the Year Voting Rejected

Two of the three voting groups for Eclipse Awards have rejected a proposal to change this year's Eclipse Awards voting procedures to allow for a vote for co-Horse of the Year, a move that could have led to Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra sharing that top honor.

Widaman Takes DRF Business Development Job

Fritz Widaman, who has headed marketing efforts at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association since 2003, has been named to the newly created position of director of sales and business development for Daily Racing Form.

Zenyatta Reclaims Top Spot in Poll by a Nose

Zenyatta reclaimed the top spot in the final National Thoroughbred Racing Association poll of 2009.

NTRA Alliance Accredits Oak Tree/Santa Anita

The Oak Tree Racing Association and Santa Anita Park, site Nov. 6-7 of the Breeders' Cup World Championships -- for the second straight year -- have been accredited by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance, it was announced Oct. 29 in a release.

NTRA Conducting Free Handicapping Contest

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association is conducting a free, online handicapping contest in association with the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Nov. 6-7 in which the winner will receive four tickets to the 2010 Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs.

Alliance Report on Way; Standards to Expand

The independent monitor for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance will conduct a "systematic and formal data-gathering phase" in the next few months and release a "detailed, comprehensive report" by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the alliance, which accredits racetracks, is developing standards for wagering security and tote protocol that will be included in the 2010 code.

Turfway Receives Accreditation from NTRA

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced that Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., has been fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility. Turfway Park is the 10th racing facility to be so designated by the Alliance.

Calder Accredited by NTRA Safety Alliance

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Sept. 25 that Calder Race Course has been fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility.

Roster, Agenda Set for NTRA Meeting, Summit

Marketing and promotions, legislative advocacy, NTRA Advantage purchasing program, and the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance are among the topics at this year's National Thoroughbred Racing Association�fs Annual Meeting and Marketing Summit.

AP Report: Racetrack Deaths Down Slightly

The rush to improve safety since Eight Belles was euthanized at last year's Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I) did little to curb the number of horses dying at American racetracks in 2008, The Associated Press found in a national count.

Fairplex Park Makes Safety Upgrades

Fairplex Park has upgraded its safety and emergency care efforts for the 2009 meet, which begins Sept. 10 and runs through Sept. 28 at the Southern California track.

West Point Horses Run in Support of Alliance

A percentage of any purse monies earned by West Point Thoroughbreds' Macho Again in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 5 at Saratoga; and Awesome Gem in the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) Sept. 6 at Del Mar will be donated to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance.

Poll: Progress in Racing, But Long Way to Go

A survey of sports fans and "core" horse racing fans indicates impressions have improved following a rough 2008, but nowhere near enough for industry officials to proclaim a turnaround.

Breeders' Cup Media Awards Contest

The Breeders' Cup Media Awards honor excellence in coverage of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. There are four awards that will celebrate outstanding writing and communication of the Championships in 2008: The Joe Hirsch Award for Outstanding Newspaper writing, Bill Leggett Award for Outstanding Magazine writing, the Online Writing Award, and the Social Media Award.

Sanan Appointed to NTRA Board

Thoroughbred owner-breeder Satish Sanan was appointed to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association board to represent Breeders' Cup. Ltd., effective as of the next NTRA board of directors meeting in September in Florence, Ky.

Online Gambling Bill Has Racing Provisions

Federal legislation that would regulate online poker and games of skill protects pari-mutuel horse racing under the Interstate Horseracing Act and includes various tax breaks sought by the racing industry, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association said Aug. 7.