The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has released its 2006-2010 Strategic Plan, which was recently approved by the NTRA Board of Directors during its quarterly meeting on June 9 in Elmont, N.Y. A copy of the Plan's full contents is available at the NTRA's Web site, www.ntra.com .
The 2006-2010 Strategic Plan identifies five core areas of focus for the NTRA:
Fan Development-with emphases on Television, Publicity, Marketing programs and Research
Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships-with the primary aims to build the event as racing's international championship and to increase the property's value and brand equity
Corporate Sales-focusing on Sponsorship and Group Purchasing
Legislative Advocacy-to further strengthen the industry's presence at Federal and State levels in order to advance the industry's agenda
Trade Association Initiatives-including membership, issue management, role as industry spokesman and the Office of Racing Integrity
Within the broad NTRA Mission of increasing the popularity of Thoroughbred racing and improving economic conditions for all NTRA members, the 2006-2010 Strategic Plan also outlined specific goals as part of a five-year vision. These goals include:
A consistent "Top 10" fan interest ranking for horse racing among the sports measured by the ESPN Sports Poll
Increased attendance, viewership, wagering and purses on major racing days
Licensed and regulated account wagering in all major racing states
An expanding bloodstock market
Integrity matching or exceeding that of other major sports and gaming businesses
"It is essential that the NTRA focus on core programs and strategies to achieve its membership's goals," said NTRA Commissioner D.G. Van Clief, Jr. "This Strategic Plan is aggressive and will require the full support of our membership to be successful. Our success in capitalizing on the potential for future growth depends on ensuring we are collaborative, not fragmented."
The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horseracing interests, including the American Quarter Horse Association, charged with increasing popularity of horseracing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA and Breeders' Cup Limited also administer the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships consisting of eight races and $14 million in purses and awards, and the Breeders' Cup Stakes Program. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA Web site, ntra.com.
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