What’s Racing Through Washington – February 2025
House Budget Committee Completes First Step in Passing a Reconciliation Bill for Tax Package The House Budget Committee completed a markup of a budget [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – December 2024
Congress Strikes Bipartisan Deal to Avert Shutdown, Extending Funding Deadline to March On Tuesday, December 17, Congressional leaders reached a bipartisan agreement to avert [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – November 2024
Election Update Donald Trump has secured victory in the presidential election and is set to begin his second term in 2025. Republicans have also [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – October 2024
USDA Disaster Resources Available In light of the recent surge in natural disasters, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) wants to remind its members [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – September 2024
Speaker Mike Johnson’s Funding Gamble Hits a Hurdle Following the House's failure to pass a stopgap funding bill on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, lawmakers [...]
Triple Crown triumphs: facility upgrades, audience engagement, safety standards
Triple Crown triumphs: facility upgrades, audience engagement, safety standards Opinion BY TOM ROONEY JUNE 21, 2024 The Lexington Herald-Leader Like most racing fans, every [...]
2023 NTRA Legislative Annual Report Released
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 6, 2024) ― The NTRA’s 2023 Legislative annual report is now available for download here. The report highlights that NTRA’s federal legislative [...]
House Appropriations Funds $5 Million for Veteran’s Equine Therapy
(Washington, D.C., May 24, 2024): Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee convened to review the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies [...]
NTRA Advocates to Expand Investment in Thoroughbred Racing on Capitol Hill
Washington, D.C., May 22, 2024: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is actively working on Capitol Hill to help to expand investments in the [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – April 2024
Thoroughbred Racing Launces New National Safety Campaign On Tuesday, April 23, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced a new national campaign, Safety Runs [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – March 2024
Spring May Have Sprung, but the Tax Package Might Not Bloom The fate of the Wyden-Smith tax bill hangs in the balance as it faces significant [...]
Congress Takes Significant Stride Towards Tax Relief for the Thoroughbred Industry
Just moments ago, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, with huge bipartisan [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – January 2024
Tax Package Becoming Reality? Last week, legislators unveiled a much-anticipated tax package framework, presenting a detailed $80 billion proposal. This agreement, crafted between House [...]
A Holiday Message from Tom Rooney
As 2023 comes to a close, we’re looking forward to starting fresh in 2024. For me, the end of the year often brings with it [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – November 2023
Welcome to NTRA’s What’s Racing Through Washington newsletter, your one-stop source for all things Thoroughbred racing in Washington, D.C. As we transition into the [...]
NTRA Helps Secure New USDA Guidance For Equine Testing During Import
NTRA Helps Secure New USDA Guidance For Equine Testing During Import Quarantine Washington, D.C. (October 20, 2023): The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is pleased [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – October 2023
Welcome to NTRA’s What’s Racing Through Washington newsletter, your one-stop source for all things Thoroughbred racing in Washington, D.C. As we transition into the [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – September 2023
Welcome to NTRA’s What’s Racing Through Washington newsletter, your one-stop source for all things Thoroughbred racing in Washington, D.C. As we transition into the [...]
A Message to Consignors and Sale Participants
A Message to Consignors and Sale Participants For those of you I haven’t had the opportunity to meet, I joined the National Thoroughbred Racing Association [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – July 2023
Welcome to NTRA’s What’s Racing Through Washington newsletter, your one stop shop for all things Thoroughbred racing in Washington, D.C. As Congress heats up [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – March 2023
Welcome to What’s Racing Through Washington newsletter, your one stop shop for all things Thoroughbred racing in Washington, D.C. As this new Congress begins its [...]
NTRA STATEMENT ON HISA
NTRA STATEMENT ON HISA WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2023: Statement from NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney: “The decision today by the Sixth Circuit Court [...]
Tom Rooney Statement on HISA
Tom Rooney Statement on HISA “As a former instructor of constitutional and criminal law at the United States Military Academy, I implored upon the [...]
NTRA WASHINGTON UPDATE Congress Passes $1.7 Trillion Dollar Spending Bill
NTRA WASHINGTON UPDATE Congress Passes $1.7 Trillion Dollar Spending Bill On Friday, December 23, 2022, Congress passed a $1.7 trillion spending package that will [...]
Thoroughbred Industry Issues Strong Support of HISA
Thoroughbred Industry Issues Strong Support of HISA December 23, 2022 – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is joined by leaders throughout the Thoroughbred [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – November 2022
Welcome to What’s Racing Through Washington newsletter, your one stop shop for all things Thoroughbred racing in Washington, D.C. With a new Congress on [...]
What’s Racing Through Washington – October 2022
Welcome to the inaugural What’s Racing Through Washington newsletter! NTRA is excited to add this new member benefit as a part of our expanded efforts [...]
NTRA Update on Additional H-2B Visas for FY 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 13, 2022: Yesterday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL), announced they will be issuing a regulation [...]
FYI – H-2B Visa Cap Met for First Half of Fiscal Year 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C., September 14, 2022 - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today they have received enough petitions to reach the [...]
Thoroughbred Industry Signals Strong Support for HISA in Letter to Congressional Leadership
WASHINGTON, DC (September 7, 2022) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today sent a letter to leaders on Capitol Hill expressing the overwhelming support [...]
ICYMI: NTRA Update on Thoroughbred Industry Impact from Recently Passed Reconciliation Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 15, 2022: As expected, last week the House of Representatives passed the $700 billion clean energy and tax reconciliation bill, which [...]
NTRA Update on Thoroughbred Industry Impact from Senate Reconciliation Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 9, 2022: This past weekend, the Senate passed a landmark tax, climate, and health-care bill by a vote of 51-50. The [...]
NTRA Encouraged by House Appropriations Committee Adoption of H-2B Relief Language in Appropriations Bill
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is pleased that the House Appropriations Committee adopted critical H-2B relief language in fiscal year ‘23 Department of [...]
NTRA Hires Director of Government Affairs
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today the hire of Jordan Bonfitto to serve as NTRA’s Director Of Government Affairs. Bonfitto will be based [...]
NTRA Opens Office in Washington, D.C.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) officially opened its Washington, D.C. office on June 1, 2022. NTRA’s new presence in Washington, D.C., in conjunction [...]
NTRA Statement on DHS and DOL Announcement of Additional H-2B Visas
Lexington, KY, May 17, 2022 – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) commends the decision announced by the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and [...]
ICYMI: NTRA President & CEO Tom Rooney Talks to TVG on First 100 Days and Future of NTRA
LEXINGTON, KY, April 15, 2022: In case you missed it, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s (NTRA) President and CEO Tom Rooney joined TVG’s Todd [...]
My first 100 days as NTRA President and CEO
By Tom Rooney This past Sunday marked the 100th day of 2022, and it also marked my 100th day as President and CEO of [...]
Equine Industry Tax Tips from the Experts
Tax Day is right around the corner. As you work hard to get everything filed by April 18th, NTRA’s equine tax experts have some [...]
Additional H-2B Visas Soon To Be Available For Fiscal Year 2022
Washington, D.C., January 28, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have agreed to offer [...]
2022 Investment Incentive Summary
Click for 2022 Investment Incentive Summary
NTRA Announces Unprecedented Supplement to H-2B Visa Cap
Lexington, Ky. (December 20, 2021) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is pleased to report that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and [...]
Barr Leads the Charge on Legislation to Spur Investment in Equine Industry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 3, 2021 Contact: Alex Bellizzi (202) 351-9476 [email protected] Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) reintroduced legislation to incentivize [...]
Dean Dorton 2021 Thoroughbred Horse Farm Survey Results Available
Dean Dorton Equine's 2021 Thoroughbred Horse Farm Compensation Survey results are now available. Download a copy here. This year's survey offers information on: Average [...]
Department of Homeland Security Orders Halt to Mass Worksite Immigration Raids
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 12, 2021) ― Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday directed the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border [...]
U.S. to Revoke Some International COVID-19 Travel Restrictions from 33 Countries Beginning in November
LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 20, 2021) ― The White House today announced plans to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions into the United States by foreign visitors from 33 [...]
NTRA ¼% Check-off Program Expands to Include California Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association Sales
Contact: Joe Bacigalupo [email protected] CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS ASSOCIATION TO PARTICIPATE IN NTRA LEGISLATIVE ACTION CAMPAIGN’S ¼% CHECKOFF PROGRAM LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 2, 2021) – The National Thoroughbred [...]
Harmful H-2B Visa Program Language Removed from Labor Appropriations Bill
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 16, 2021) ― United States Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) on July 15 offered an amendment to the fiscal year 2022 Department of [...]
H-2B Visa Program Faces Severe Threat from Department of Labor Appropriations Bill
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 14, 2021) ― The U.S. House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider the fiscal year 2022 Department of Labor Appropriations bill on [...]
NTRA, Dean Dorton Undertake Nationwide Survey on Farm Compensation
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 7, 2021) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) in conjunction with the accounting and business advisory firm, Dean Dorton, is undertaking [...]
Ban on the Transportation of Horses Across State Lines or to Canada or Mexico for Slaughter Passes U.S. House of Representatives
Amendment Part of Infrastructure Legislation That Now Moves to Senate LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 1, 2021) ― An amendment that would ban the transportation of horses [...]
Additional H-2B Visas Available for 2nd Half of Fiscal Year 2021
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 25, 2021)— The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a joint temporary final rule [...]
Lead HISA Sponsors File Brief in Support of Federal Legislation
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 17, 2021)—The lead congressional sponsors of the Horseracing Safety and Integrity Act (HISA) have filed a response to a lawsuit filed [...]
Industry Segments Applaud Appointment to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act Authority and Standing Committees
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2021)—The Nominating Committee of The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) announced today the appointment of the HISA Authority board of [...]
2020 NTRA Legislative Annual Report Released
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2021) ― The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) 2020 Legislative Action Campaign (LAC) Annual Report is now available on the association’s [...]
HISA to lead the Thoroughbred community down a path to a safer and more transparent sport
To all of the hard-working individuals who make up the Thoroughbred community and the fans who share in our love for the horses that [...]
Additional H-2B Visas Soon To Be Available For Trainers During 2nd Half of Federal Fiscal Year 2021
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 20, 2021) ― The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor have agreed to offer 22,000 [...]
NTRA Statement on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act
March 17, 2021 “HISA, a well-crafted and comprehensive piece of legislation, creates the national framework that addresses our industry’s critical need for consistent, forceful [...]
President Biden Issues Proclamation Lifting Some Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Travel Restrictions
LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 25, 2021) – President Biden issued a Proclamation on Wednesday, February 24, 2020, to revoke Proclamation 10014 (Suspension of Entry of Immigrants [...]
Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act Signed Into Law Along with Addition Provisions Beneficial to Horse Industry
LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 28, 2020) – President Trump on Sunday signed into law COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation that includes the Horseracing Integrity [...]
Current H-2B Visa Provisions Set to Continue Under Omnibus Legislation Passed by Congress
A series of current H-2B visa program provisions are set to continue as part of omnibus legislation passed Monday by Congress. H-2B visa program policies [...]
Congress Passes Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act Along with Additional Provisions Beneficial to Horse Industry
Additional Coronavirus Relief and Three-Year Depreciation also Included in COVID-19 and Omnibus Legislation LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 22, 2020) – Both the U.S. House of Representatives [...]
McConnell Leads Senate Passage of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act
‘Kentucky’s cherished horseracing traditions deserve to be protected’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the Senate today in passing his Horseracing [...]
Bipartisan NTRA Horse PAC®-Supported Candidates Have Strong Showing on Election Day
Contact: Keith Chamblin, (859) 621-1120 BIPARTISAN NTRA HORSE PAC®-SUPPORTED CANDIDATES HAVE STRONG SHOWING ON ELECTION DAY LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, November 5, 2020) –The National Thoroughbred [...]
Statement From the NTRA on Passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act by the U.S. House of Representatives
“Today’s historic passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) by the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelmingly favorable bipartisan vote reflects [...]
NTRA Votes to Support Passage of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020
LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 9, 2020) – The Board of Directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has voted to support passage of the Horseracing [...]
State Department Releases H-2B Guidance; Provides Opportunity for Horse Trainers
(August 12, 2020) – The State Department released guidance for the Presidential Proclamations from June 22 (P.P. 10014 & 10052) that temporarily suspended issuance [...]
NTRA 2019 Federal Legislative Action Campaign Program Attracts Highest Support Since 2008
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 7, 2020) – The NTRA Legislative Action Campaign (LAC), a program that supports the breeding and racing industry’s federal legislative efforts in [...]
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application Process Resumes for Breeding Farms
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2020) – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the application process for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related [...]
NTRA Issues Summary of Benefits to Horse Owners Under New Federal COVID-19 Legislation
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 29, 2020) – As part of its ongoing work to help the industry navigate the hardships brought on by the coronavirus [...]
Summary of Benefits to Horse Owners Under the New Federal COVID-19 Legislation
All businesses are feeling economic hardship right now, and horse owners are no exception. Congress and the Trump Administration have provided several mechanisms to [...]
New SBA Guidance Makes Tracks Eligible for Paycheck Protection Program; Farms Can Now Apply For Economic Injury Disaster Loan
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 24, 2020) – President Trump signed into law today an emergency aid package providing additional relief to small businesses and health care facilities, [...]
2019 Horse PAC® Annual Report
April 7, 2020Dear NTRA Horse PAC® Donor,Thank you for your support of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s federal political action committee, Horse PAC®, in 2019.For [...]
NTRA/Dean Dorton Teleconference on COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Legislation
NTRA NATIONAL TELECONFERENCE: NTRA/DEAN DORTON TO PROVIDE INDUSTRY UPDATE ON COVID-19 FEDERAL STIMULUS LEGISLATION The NTRA and its Washington, D.C., legislative team, The Alpine [...]
Department of Homeland Security to Allocate 35,000 Additional H-2B Visas
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 5, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier today communicated to Congressional offices its intent to release 35,000 [...]
Dean Dorton Webinar: Key Federal Tax Reform Items for Horse and Farm Owners
Tax Update for Horse and Farm Owners Dean Dorton, one of the largest CPA firms based in Kentucky and a partner of the National [...]
Three-Year Racehorse Depreciation Extension Signed Into Law by President
LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 20, 2019) – A key provision that extends three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses through 2020 was signed into law by the President [...]
H-2B Visa Program Relief Expected to Be Signed Into Law As Part of Spending Bill
LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 20, 2019) – Horse trainers who utilize the H-2B guest worker visa program to fill various backstretch positions are expected to [...]
Three-Year Racehorse Depreciation Extension Passed by Both Houses of Congress
Contact: Alicia Hughes, NTRA Communications, (859) 422-2663, [email protected] LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 19, 2019) – A key provision that extends three-year tax depreciation for [...]
Three-Year Racehorse Depreciation Extension Passed by House of Representatives
LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 17, 2019) – A key provision that extends three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses through 2020 today passed the House of [...]
Department of Homeland Security to Accept Petitions for 30,000 Additional H-2B Visas Beginning May 8
Lexington, Ky. (May 6, 2019) -- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that it will begin accepting petitions on Wednesday, May 8 [...]
NTRA Horse PAC® Surpasses $4 million in Federal Support
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 18, 2019) – Horse PAC®, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA)’s bipartisan federal Political Action Committee, has surpassed over $4 million [...]
Dept. of Homeland Security Announces Plans to Allocate 30,000 Additional H-2B Visas in Current Fiscal Year
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier today communicated to Congressional offices that it would allocate 30,000 additional H-2B visas for the current fiscal [...]
Eclipse Awards Partner Dean Dorton to Host Tax Webinar, February 21
LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 23, 2019) - Dean Dorton, one of the largest CPA firms based in Kentucky and supporting partner of the 48th Annual Eclipse Awards, [...]
Bipartisan Horse PAC® Supported Candidates Perform Well In Tuesday’s Elections
BIPARTISAN HORSE PAC®-SUPPORTED CANDIDATES HAVE STRONG SHOWING ON ELECTION DAY LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, November 8, 2018) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced that [...]
Modernized Treasury/IRS Regulations Lead to Nearly 90% Reduction in Winning Pari-Mutuel Wagers Subject to Reporting and Withholding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Keith Chamblin at (859) 621-1120 or [email protected] MODERNIZED TREASURY/IRS REGULATIONS LEAD TO NEARLY 90% REDUCTION IN WINNING PARI-MUTUEL WAGERS SUBJECT TO [...]
NTRA Federal Legislative Briefing Covers Wide Swath of Industry Issues
An NTRA legislative briefing held Thursday at Fasig-Tipton Sales Paddocks provided updates on a diverse range of topics impacting Thoroughbred breeding, racing and handicapping. [...]
PROPOSED REGULATIONS RELEASED FOR IMPORTANT SMALL BUSINESS TAX BENEFIT
The U.S Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released proposed regulations for the 20 percent deduction allowed for pass-through businesses, [...]
THREE-YEAR RACEHORSE DEPRECIATION RETURNS RETROACTIVELY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
THREE-YEAR RACEHORSE DEPRECIATION RETURNS RETROACTIVELY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, February 9, 2018) President Trump today signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act, [...]
TOC Teleconference: Overview of New Tax Bill
January 11, 2018 Overview of New Tax Bill This update covers a number of areas, including aspects of the tax bill most pertinent [...]
TAX BILL BENEFITS THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS AND OWNERS, DOUBLES CERTAIN DEPRECIATION BENEFITS, RETAINS MISCELLANEOUS LOSS DEDUCTION FOR HORSEPLAYERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jim Mulvihill, NTRA Communications, (859) 422-2663, [email protected] LEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, December 20, 2017) – The Tax Bill cleared by Congress [...]
A Horseplayers Perspective to the New Pari-Mutuel Regulations
by: Chris Larmey On Wednesday, the IRS announced new regulations regarding the withholding and reporting of pari-mutuel proceeds that will significantly help horseplayers and [...]
Horseracing Wins As Treasury/IRS Issue Updated Tax Rules
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today announced that they will formally adopt modernized regulations regarding the withholding and reporting [...]
Twelve Congressmen Sign Letter Urging Treasury To Enact Recently Proposed Tax Reporting, Withholding Regulations
Contact: Keith Chamblin, NTRA, (859) 621-1120Twelve Congressmen Sign Letter Urging Treasury to Enact RECENTLY Proposed Tax Reporting, Withholding RegulationsLEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, April 12, 2017) – [...]
NTRA Statement: Introduction of Tax Bills
Earlier today, Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced three important bills aimed at simplifying the tax code and encouraging investment in Thoroughbred racehorses. The NTRA [...]
NTRA Issues 2016 Horse PAC Annual Report
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today released the 2016 Annual Report for its bipartisan federal Political Action Committee, Horse PAC®. Horse PAC® disbursed $290,500 to federal political candidates and [...]
NTRA Establishes Process for Urging Treasury to Enact Proposed Pari-Mutuel Regs
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced that a system has been established at http://ntra.kinsta.cloud/comment for individuals to submit an e-mail comment directly [...]
Department of Treasury and IRS Issue Proposed Regs To Modernize Pari-Mutuel Withholding and Reporting
The Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today issued newly proposed regulations relating to withholding and reporting with respect to pari-mutuel winnings. [...]
Urgent Efforts Continue To Reinstate H-2B VISA Returning Worker Exemption
Contact: Joe Bacigalupo, NTRA Federal Legislative Affairs, (859) 422-2677, [email protected] URGENT EFFORTS CONTINUE TO REINSTATE H-2B VISA RETURNING WORKER EXEMPTION LEXINGTON, Ky. (Monday, December [...]
Avioli Named to Horse PAC Board
Greg Avioli, CEO of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, has been named to the Board of Directors of Horse PAC®, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s [...]
NTRA Horse PAC-Supported Candidates Have Strong Showing On Election Day
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), today announced that 51 of the 54 federal candidates it supported during the 2015/2016 election cycle won their races [...]
Justin Nicholson Named to Horse PAC Board
Justin Nicholson, CEO of Ninety North Racing, has been named to the Board of Directors of Horse PAC®, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s federal political [...]
Call Issued for Consensus on Medication Plan
August 14, 2015 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The need for consensus among major stakeholders in horse racing in regard to drug testing and enforcement of penalties [...]
NTRA. Lobbyist Outline Federal Initiatives
August 12, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The National Thoroughbred Racing Association and its Washington, D.C., lobbying firm are playing the waiting game regarding tax changes [...]
Long Island Town Supports Suffolk Casino
August 12, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Stalled for several years, a push by Suffolk County Off-Track Betting Corp. to open a casino on Long Island [...]
In Saratoga, Passion for Racing and Politics
August 12, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse A decision on the re-privatization of the New York Racing Association will have to wait until next year—at the [...]
Horse Racing Tourney Sites Restrict NY Play
August 11, 2016 Frank Angst, Blood-Horse With a line in the daily fantasy sports legislation passed last week in New York specifically prohibiting horse racing handicapping [...]
PA Breeders Continue Push for Fund Payments
August 9, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Gov. Tom Wolf has told Pennsylvania Thoroughbred breeders the resumption of payment of breeder and stallion awards lies with [...]
Pros and Cons of Federal Bill Discussed
August 9, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The pros and cons of federal legislation that would grant the United States Anti-Doping Agency oversight of equine medication [...]
NTRA Releases 2015-2016 Annual Report
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today released its Annual Report for 2015-2016. A PDF of the full 2015-2016 Annual Report is available online at [...]
Reinstatement of PA Awards Payment Tabled
July 29, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Restoration of payments for Pennsylvania breeder and stallion awards that have been suspended since late March because of incorrect [...]
PA Breeders Seek to Restore Award Payments
July 15, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association July 15 said it continues to work on restoring payments for breeder and stallion [...]
Congressmen Push Pari-Mutuel Tax Changes
July 13, 2016 Blood-Horse Staff Two members of Congress who support pari-mutuel tax changes submitted a joint letter July 12 urging the United States Department [...]
Yarmuth, Boustany Pen Joint Letter to Treasury Urging Action On Modernization of Pari-Mutuel Tax Rules
Two U.S. congressmen, Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), have submitted a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew urging finalization of proposed [...]
PA Breeding Fund Legislation Altered Again
July 12, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The Pennsylvania Senate July 11 passed a bill that in part restores earlier language that governs the state Thoroughbred [...]
House Passes Appropriations Bill Encouraging Modernization of Pari-Mutuel Tax Rules
The U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2017 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill Thursday evening that includes report language detailing Committee [...]
Meadowlands Operator Continues Casino Push
July 7, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse A recent move by New York legislators to scare off investors in possible future casinos in New Jersey could [...]
Breeding Fund Changes Approved by PA House
June 30, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The Pennsylvania House of Representatives June 30 approved substantive changes to the Thoroughbred breeding fund, some payments from which [...]
PA House Panel Passes Breeding Fund Revisions
June 28, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Legislation that would change the parameters of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Breeding Fund cleared a House of Representatives committee June [...]
MA Court Rules in Favor of Slots Referendum
June 28, 2016 Lynne Snierson, Blood-Horse A statewide referendum to allow a slot-machine parlor adjacent to Suffolk Downs will move forward after the Massachusetts Supreme [...]
Cuomo Administration Fires Back at Criticism
Jun 27, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse The administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo is hitting back at criticism from the Saratoga Springs community over the recent [...]
Online Poker Bill Clears California Committee
June 22, 2016 Tom Lamarra, Blood-Horse Legislation that would divert up to $57 million a year to horse racing from Internet poker operations cleared the [...]
PA Horsemen, Casinos Oppose Video Gaming Plan
June 20, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Horsemen's groups and casino operators in Pennsylvania have made known their opposition to legislation that would authorize tens of [...]
NY Prepares for Potential Casino Competition
June 19, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse One of the last acts of the New York legislature before its 2016 session ended June 18 was to [...]
NY Lawmakers Legalize Daily Fantasy Sports
July 18, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse New York lawmakers gave final passage early June 18 to a measure legalizing daily fantasy sports contests, which have [...]
Extension of State Control for NYRA Looms
June 17, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Unable to break a negotiating logjam, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers have tentatively agreed to extend the [...]
UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE JOINS HOUSE IN PRESSING TREASURY AND IRS TO MODERNIZE PARI-MUTUEL TAX TREATMENT
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joan Lawrence (646) 335-6833 UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE JOINS HOUSE IN PRESSING TREASURY AND IRS TO MODERNIZE PARI-MUTUEL TAX TREATMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. [...]
New York Lawmakers Address Worker’s Comp
June 16, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Legislation was given final approval June 16 in New York to give new flexibility to a workers' compensation insurance [...]
Lawmakers Defy Cuomo, Pass NYRA Legislation
June 15, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Defying Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York lawmakers June 15 gave final approval to legislation that would return the New [...]
MI Legislation Offers Some Hope for Racing
June 14, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Michigan lawmakers have passed legislation designed to improve the condition of the struggling pari-mutuel horseracing industry. The legislation, which [...]
Pretlow: NYRA Privatization Talks Stall
June 14, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Talks have stalled over returning control of the New York Racing Association to private hands after a four-year period [...]
Indirect Veto Stalls Adoption of WV Rules
June 13, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Some proposed changes and updates to Thoroughbred racing rules in West Virginia will have to wait almost another year [...]
Congressional Committee Pushes IRS To Modernize Pari-Mutuel Tax Treatment
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joan Lawrence (646) 335-6833 CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE PUSHES IRS TO MODERNIZE PARI-MUTUEL TAX TREATMENT The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations today [...]
Cuomo Submits NYRA Privatization Plan
June 9, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The New York Racing Association would be returned to private hands, though with a tiny leash from state government [...]
New Minnesota Law Encourages Account Wagering
June 9, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Minnesota officials said advance deposit wagering legislation passed recently by lawmakers will provide an estimated $1.5 million in revenue [...]
NY Has Plans Should NJ Expand Casino Gambling
June 8, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Officials in New York have been quietly discussing ways to "send a shot across the Hudson River" in advance [...]
Horseman Hendrickson Resigns as NYRA Adviser
June 7, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse John Hendrickson, who operates a Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based stable with his wife Marylou Whitney, resigned in frustration as a [...]
NY Lawmakers Find Daily Fantasy Common Ground
June 7, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse A deal has been reached between New York Senate and Assembly negotiators on a bill to legalize daily fantasy [...]
NYRA Privatization Bill Filed
May 25, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Legislation has been formally introduced in the New York Senate to return the New York Racing Association to private [...]
NYRA Board Awaits Action on Legislation
May 25, 2016 Teresa Genaro, Blood-Horse As it waits for a decision on the future of the New York Racing Association, the organization's board of [...]
Potential Breeders’ Cup Tax Break Debated
May 10, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Breeders' Cup intends to legislatively pursue a pari-mutuel tax break for its 2018 World Championships at Churchill Downs, [...]
Lawmakers to Speak at AHC Convention
May 9, 2016 Blood-Horse Staff Legislators who chair the United States Senate and House of Representatives Agricultural Committees are expected to speak at the American [...]
Horse Caucus Takes Testimony on Drug Bill
April 28, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Members of the Congressional Horse Caucus April 28 discussed the pros and cons of legislation that would grant the [...]
Internet Poker Bill Advances in California
April 28, 2016 Jeremy Balan, Blood-Horse A bill that would legalize online poker, and send $60 million a year in subsidies to the horse racing [...]
American Horse Council Plans National Issues Forum
April 21, 2016 Blood-Horse Staff The American Horse Council has announced that its theme for this year's National Issues Forum, sponsored by Luitpold Animal Health, [...]
Hearing Planned on Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act
April 21, 2016 Frank Angst, Blood-Horse Congressional Horse Caucus co-chairmen Andy Barr (R-Ky) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) April 21 announced plans to conduct a hearing [...]
Legislation Advances to Fund New D. C. International
April 13, 2016 Blood-Horse Staff A bill that would help resurrect the Washington, D.C. International and provide $500,000 in bonus money to Maryland-bred or Maryland-sired [...]
NYRA Offers Three Re-organization Options
April 12, 2016 Teresa Genaro, Blood-Horse Three-and-a-half years after being put under state control by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the New York Racing Association board of [...]
Tackling Workers’ Compensation in New York
April 8, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Thoroughbred owners and trainers in New York are negotiating with a number of insurance underwriters and looking to start [...]
Host of Gaming Issues on Table in New York
March 25, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse Racing and gambling matters are still in play in New York as the governor and lawmakers try in the [...]
New NJ Casinos Could Impact NY Racinos
March 24, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse A trade group for New York's racetrack-based casinos is warning of major revenue drops at their facilities if New [...]
NJ Casino Referendum Approved for November
March 15, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Revenue for horse racing is included in a casino-expansion referendum that will be put before New Jersey voters in [...]
Federal Medication Bill Adds New Sponsors
March 1, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Federal legislation that would grant the United States Anti-Doping Agency oversight of equine medication policy, testing, and enforcement has [...]
NYRA Issues Support for Federal Drug Bill
March 10, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The New York Racing Association board of directors March 10 voted to support federal legislation that would grant the [...]
Virginia to Regulate Daily Fantasy Games
March 8, 2016 Frank Angst, Blood-Horse State policies on the legality of daily fantasy games continue to take shape with Virginia the first to legalize [...]
NTRA Issues 2015 Horse PAC Annual Report
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, March 2, 2016) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today released the 2015 Annual Report for its bipartisan federal Political Action Committee, Horse PACSM. Horse PACSM [...]
WV Racing Supporters Tout Economic Benefits
March 1, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Pro-racing lawmakers in West Virginia took part in a March 1 Capitol press conference designed to discuss the economic [...]
Florida Gaming, Decoupling Push Stalls
March 1, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Major gambling bills tied to a $3 billion compact with the Seminole tribe were removed from a Florida Senate [...]
WV Racing Groups to Rally at Capitol
February, 29, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Racing interests and their legislative representatives plan a rally March 1 at the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston to [...]
Florida Panel Oks Decoupling, Gaming Bill
February 29, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Legislation that would allow most pari-mutuel operations to end live racing or most jai alai games and become slot-machine [...]
Illinois THA Reaches Out to Arlington
February 27, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association said it believes it can find common ground with Arlington International Racecourse as it [...]
Florida Panel Examines Decoupling Financials
February 26, 2017 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse A state group that studies the impact of tax changes in Florida offered a general assessment Feb. 26 that [...]
Texas Racing Commission Funding Restored
February 25, 2016 Eric Mitchell, Blood-Horse The Texas Racing Commission's decision to repeal rules it adopted previously to implement historical racing was rewarded Feb. 25 [...]
Racetrack Gaming Issues Heat Up in WV
February 25, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The West Virginia Senate Feb. 25 had first reading on legislation that would defund and decouple greyhound racing from [...]
Chamblin Joins Horse Pac Board
Contact: Joan Lawrence: 646 335-6833 CHAMBLIN JOINS HORSE PACSM BOARD LEXINGTON, Ky. (Tuesday, February 23, 2016) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced that Horse [...]
PA Racing Reform Law Signed by Governor
February 23, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Legislation that proponents said is designed to modernize horse racing in Pennsylvania was signed into law Feb. 23 by [...]
NH Senate Tables Rockingham Casino Bill
February 18, 2016 Lynne Snierson, Blood-Horse The New Hampshire Senate voted Feb. 18 to table a bill authorizing a casino to be located at Rockingham [...]
Texas Commission Repeals Historical Racing
February 18, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Under severe political pressure, the Texas Racing Commission during an emergency meeting Feb. 18 voted 5-4 to repeal rules [...]
FL Senate Committee Passes Decoupling Bill
February 17, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse The Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee Feb. 17 passed two pieces of legislation, one authorizing a $3 billion gaming [...]
WV Bill Would Decouple Racing and Gaming
February 12, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Legislation that would remove the requirement that racetracks with gaming also offer live racing has been introduced in the [...]
Texas Will Race at Least Through February
February 11, 2016 Eric Mitchell, Blood-Horse Texas racetracks will be operating at least through the end of February, but beyond that the future is far [...]
Kentucky Advances Equine Tax Break Bill
February 10, 2016 Blood-Horse Staff A bill that would provide a tax break for Kentucky's horse industry advanced Feb. 10, when the Kentucky House Agriculture [...]
Industry Makes Its Case Against Decoupling
February 9, 2016 Tom LaMarra, Blood-Horse Florida horse racing and breeding interests made their case against decoupling Feb. 9 during a House Regulatory Affairs Committee [...]
NY Legislation Would Halt OTB Casino Plans
February 3, 2016 Tom Precious, Blood-Horse A New York lawmaker, sharply critical of the Nassau Off-Track Betting Corp. bid to try to locate a casino [...]
Congress Passes Three-Year Tax Depreciation for Racehorses, Other Incentives
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, December 18, 2015) – Important tax incentives for horse owners – including a key provision that extends three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses [...]
Congress Passes H-2B Visa Improvements Backed by NTRA
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, December 18, 2015) – Provisions backed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) that offer relief for H-2B visa employers such as horse [...]
President Enacts Bills That Benefit Racing
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, December 18, 2015) – President Obama this afternoon signed into law H.R. 2029, which includes the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) [...]
H-2b Visa Improvements Backed by NTRA Among Budget, Tax Reforms Expected to be Passed by Year’s End
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, December 17, 2015) – Provisions backed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) that offer relief for H-2B visa employers such as [...]
Three-Year Tax Depreciation for Racehorses, Other Incentives Poised for Multi-Year Extension by Congress
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, December 16, 2015) – Important tax incentives for horse owners including a key provision that extends three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses [...]
Historical Racing Rules Survive in Texas
December 15, 2015 Eric Mitchell, Blood-Horse Rules created to establish historical racing in Texas remain intact after the state's racing commission took its second vote [...]
Massachusetts Slots Referendum Progresses
December 3, 2015 by Lynne Snierson, Blood-Horse A ballot question that would allow a slot machine parlor near Suffolk Downs has cleared a hurdle and [...]
Fantasy Sports Operators Make Case in NJ
November 10, 2015 Blood Horse Staff New Jersey legislators were told Nov. 9 fantasy sports operators shouldn't be regulated like casinos because their games are [...]
ADW, Revenue Reinstatement on WV Wish List
By Tom LaMarra Legislation authorizing advance deposit wagering is on the wish list for a group of racing industry stakeholders in West Virginia, according to [...]
Six US House Members Support Drug Bill
By Blood-Horse Staff Six members of Congress have announced their support for the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015, according to the Coalition for Horse [...]
Barr Reintroduces Two Racehorse Tax Bills
By Tom LaMarra United States Representative Andy Barr of Kentucky has reintroduced two bills that would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to benefit [...]
Keeneland Says It Supports Federal Drug Bill
By Tom LaMarra and Frank Angst Keeneland said Oct. 8 it officially supports the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015 and has joined the Coalition [...]
Wyoming to Shut Down Historical Racing Games
By Frank Angst In a move that Wyoming Downs said will force layoffs and threaten its live race meet, the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission has shut [...]
Status of KY Lasix-Free Regulation Uncertain
By Ron Mitchell The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee of the Kentucky legislature has voted 6-2 to find a proposed regulation permitting racetracks the option of [...]
Centaur Gaming Added to USADA Bill Supporters
By Blood-Horse Staff Centaur Gaming, which owns and operates Indiana-based Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, and several off-track betting facilities, [...]
New Jersey Continues Sports Wagering Efforts
By Blood-Horse Staff NJ.com reports the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association has joined Gov. Chris Christie and the state legislature in filing a motion Sept. [...]
Finance Committee Tax Extenders Bill Includes Equity For Horse Industry
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Tuesday, July 21, 2015) – The U.S. Senate Finance Committee completed its work on a tax extenders bill in a markup session earlier [...]
NTRA’s Alex Waldrop Appears Before Treasury/IRS Hearing
Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA, appeared at a June 17 hearing in Washington, D.C. conducted by the U.S. Treasury Department and the [...]
Waldrop Emphasizes Unfairness of Current ‘Cost of Wager’ Calculation At Treasury/IRS Hearing on Pari-Mutuel Winnings
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, June 17, 2015) – In an address to United States Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officials at a hearing today, National [...]
Waldrop to Appear Before June 17 Treasury/IRS Hearing Related to Withholding and Reporting Winning Pari-Mutuel Wagers
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, June 12, 2015) – Alex Waldrop, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), is scheduled to appear [...]
Comment Period To Treasury Concludes With Unprecedented Participation, Industry-Wide Support For Pari-Mutuel Tax Modernization
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, June 3, 2015) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced upon conclusion of a 90-day comment period that nearly 12,000 [...]
Four Days Left to Submit Public Comments on Modernizing Pari-Mutuel Wagering Tax Regulations
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, May 29, 2015) – With a historic upgrade to tax regulations that would benefit horseplayers and the horse industry hanging in the [...]
Only One Week Left To Submit Public Comments on Modernizing Pari-Mutuel Wagering Tax Regulations
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Tuesday, May 26, 2015) – The Thoroughbred racing industry is rallying around a proposal to modernize regulations relating to the taxing of pari-mutuel [...]
Immediate Industry Action Needed to Support Modernization of Pari-Mutuel Tax Regulations
The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that it is closely monitoring both the quality and quantity of recently submitted comments related to attempts by [...]
NTRA Calls For More Individual Comments As Treasury Considers Changes To Regulations On Pari-Mutuel Wagering
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Tuesday, May 19, 2015) – With a June 2 deadline looming, only 14 days away, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is urging [...]
NTRA Submits Official Response to IRS/Treasury Request for Comment on Pari-Mutuel Reporting and Withholding
Public Invited to Submit Comments to Policymakers via NTRA.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Tuesday, April 21, 2015) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has submitted its [...]
NTRA Announces Federal Legislative Agenda
The NTRA announced on Wednesday, March 11 its federal legislative agenda for the 114th Congress, which convened in January. Economic issues again dominate the agenda [...]
NTRA Unveils 2015 Federal Agenda For Washington, D.C.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, March 11, 2015) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced its federal legislative agenda for the 114th Congress, which convened [...]
U.S. Treasury, IRS to Consider Clarification of Pari-Mutuel Reporting/Withholding
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, March 4, 2015) – In response to efforts spearheaded by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and horse racing’s advocates within the federal [...]
Horse PAC Reaches $3 Million Disbursement Milestone
Horse PAC, the bipartisan political action committee of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), has surpassed the $3 million mark in total disbursements to federal [...]
Horse PAC Surpasses $3 Million in Disbursements to Federal Political Candidates, Parties
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Wednesday, February 25, 2015) – Horse PAC, the bipartisan political action committee of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), today announced that it [...]
House Scheduled to Vote on Tax Relief Bill
On Friday of this week, the U.S. House Representative is scheduled to vote on the America’s Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015 (H.R. 636). [...]