America's Day at the Races Takes a Break in '04

Officials of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Friday that America's Day at the Races will not be held this year, but will return in 2005. Founded in 1997 by TOBA, and traditionally held on Labor Day as a "national holiday for horse lovers," America's Day at the Races has most recently been sponsored by the NTRA. When it returns in 2005, it will be under TOBA management.

Developed as a program to bring families and friends to the races, America's Day became the steppingstone to several kids' clubs at race tracks around the country. Participating race tracks in the America's Day program cooperatively set up information booths for jockeys, farriers, trainers, partnerships, information on how to bet, and more. The day has also included a national Pick-3 wager featuring races from participating race tracks.

America's Day at the Races began with 36 participating organizations including the National HBPA, The Jockeys Guild, The Jockey Club, Daily Racing Form and more than 20 race tracks. Participation in the event peaked in 1999 with over 43 participants nationwide.