NTRA & Breeders' Cup To Ride John Deere In Annual WTC Series

The NTRA and Breeders' Cup announced last Friday a multi-year deal with John Deere to title sponsor the $2M Breeders' Cup Turf race. Under the deal, John Deere, an NTRA partner since '99, also becomes title sponsor of the Breeders' Cup Turf Division, presenting sponsor of the inaugural Great State Challenge at Sam Houston Park in December and will receive advertising and other benefits from NTRA TV programming. Meanwhile, Breeders' Cup President D.G. Van Clief Jr. said that Breeders' Cup TV programs in '02 will include a greater focus on the "Road to the World Thoroughbred Championships" divisional races (NTRA). BLOODHORSE.com noted John Deere was the presenting sponsor of the '01 Breeders' Cup Turf race. John Deere "becomes the third title sponsor in the eight-race Breeders' Cup program and divisions," joining Bessemer Trust and Penske Auto Centers. Meanwhile, at its annual Symposium on Racing last weekend, the NTRA and Breeders' Cup "outlined strategic programs" for '02, including "national marketing and advertising for Thoroughbred racing, [TV] and legislative and lobbying activities" (BLOODHORSE.com, 12/7).