At the 25th annual Symposium on Racing in Tucson, AZ,
the NTRA announced the addition of new sponsors for the '99
season and the establishment of a points and bonus system
for the "NTRA Champions on Fox" series. The NTRA also
unveiled eight new TV spots starring actor Rip Torn in its
continuing effort to increase exposure for the sport. The
NTRA announced sponsorship pacts with AT&T, Gallery
Furniture, Daily Racing Form, Equibase and The Jockey Club
Information Systems. AT&T will place ads on NTRA telecasts
on ESPN, ESPN2, Fox and FSN from January to November '99.
Gallery Furniture will also run advertisements on NTRA
telecasts, in print and on the NTRA Web site (NTRA).
IS NTRA DOING ENOUGH? In DC, Andrew Beyer wrote,
"Though a skeptic might question whether the NTRA has made
any real progress toward its main objective during its first
year of existence, there is reason for optimism in the
organization's 1999 plans. ... The NTRA-Fox marriage can
bring exposure and benefits to the sport." But after one
year of the NTRA's efforts, Beyer wrote, "It would be
difficult to argue that American horse racing is any
healthier ... or that the general public has a greater
awareness of the sport" (WASHINGTON POST, 12/13).
