The 12 thoroughbred tracks in the mid-Atlantic region
-- including The Meadowlands, Pimlico, Laurel, Monmouth,
Delaware Park and Philadelphia Park -- have "officially
agreed to remain with" the NTRA "at least" through the end
of this year, according to Matt Hegarty of the DAILY RACING
FORM. The tracks and the NTRA "hammered out" an agreement
over the last week that "stipulates that the NTRA must
perform several tasks," including discussing with the tracks
its "governance and strategic mission and other matters of
concern." The NTRA will also be "restricted somewhat before
it can take account wagers" from residents of states where
the "legal standing of" the TVG -- whose wagering hub is
operated by the NTRA -- has been "challenged." Meanwhile,
Rockingham Park (NH) and Will Rogers Downs (OK) have
withdrawn their NTRA membership. Rockingham GM Edward
Callahan: "We have a lot of concerns with the NTRA and TVG
and how that could potentially impact our market." Will
Rogers Dir of Racing & Simulcasting Chris Dobbins said the
track's annual dues payment of $13,000 was "a lot of money
just to fly the flag" (DAILY RACING FORM, 1/21).
