NTRA Unveils Online Education Program, Redesigned Web Site

As part of the rollout of its new, fully redesigned Web site, NTRA.com, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association has unveiled "Bet the Net," an interactive simulation designed to help new and light horseracing fans learn the fundamentals of pari-mutuel wagering. The new site also provides an introduction to account wagering on the Internet.

The new Web site, which totals nearly 5,000 pages, includes:

* features by horseracing analysts Bob Neumeier, Randy Moss, and other freelance writers

* daily news from Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse

* a newly organized Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships section, including results charts, photographs, and video from all 18 Breeders' Cup events

* "mini-sites" created for all network- and cable-televised graded stakes races run throughout the year, delivering pre- and post-race content such as custom entries, past performances, and results from Equibase Company

* year-to-date statistics for top jockeys, trainers and owners, also from Equibase

* searchable biographies for nearly 1,100 jockeys, owners, trainers and breeders

* enhanced NTRA trade and association content.

"Bet the Net" takes users through the basic wager types, educating through lessons and exercises designed to familiarize them with the on-track wagering experience. Users accumulate points for completing each step and become eligible for weekly prize drawings once a certain point level is attained.

To extend usage of the player development program, the NTRA will provide a link for "Bet the Net" to all member racetracks and organizations. In the coming months, the fan education game will be expanded and enhanced, based upon consumer response.

"While the redesign of NTRA.com gives horseracing and the NTRA an online presence comparable to other major sports and league offices, the focus is on fan education," said NTRA Commissioner Tim Smith. "Based on extensive research of other gaming entities as well as other horseracing Web sites, we identified player development as a key area in which we could make a real difference for our member organizations and provide a service that has not previously existed."

In development since August 2001, NTRA.com was produced by the NTRA in conjunction with NTRA Productions, a subsidiary of NTRA Investments, offering television and interactive media services. With the re-launch, NTRA.com becomes the official home of the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships Web site, previously accessible at breederscup.com. All content relative to the Breeders' Cup has been rolled into NTRA.com. Users who type in the old domain name automatically will be redirected to the Breeders' Cup section on NTRA.com.