As horse racing execs gathered in Saratoga Springs, NY,
"to hear upbeat presentations about the sport's future, word
was out" that Frank Stronach was "considering an alternative
path for his racing empire -- one outside the NTRA,"
according to Matt Hegarty of the DAILY RACING FORM.
Stronach said that his tracks -- Santa Anita Park and
Gulfstream "at last count, with others on the horizon -- may
not renew their commitments" to the NTRA on April 1, 2000,
"when the NTRA's contracts with member tracks have their
first opt-out date." But at an industry meeting, Stronach
"indicated" that he is "ready to discuss his position" with
NTRA CEO Tim Smith. Hegarty wrote that Stronach's "position
... could produce strong ripples" in the NTRA and
"throughout" the sport (DAILY RACING FORM, 8/18).
TUNED OUT? Hegarty also reported that TV Games
Network's (TVG) "expected impact on racing was a common
thread during much" of the Saratoga meeting, with the NTRA
"renewing calls for the racing industry to enthusiastically
support the venture." Supporters of TVG "believe" that the
net will "introduce a vast number of people to racing and
parimutuel wagering." But Stronach "ripped up a long-term
contract" with TVG and "has said" that he "objects" to long-
term deals with the company (DAILY RACING FORM, 8/18).
