NTRA member fees in decline

Dues paid by National Thoroughbred Racing Association members will drop to $19.5 million in 2001, a decline of 23.3 percent from 2000.

The decline is mostly because of the NTRA cutting the fees that are assessed on all its members. The NTRA has said that it hopes to be self-sufficient in the future.

The breeding community will contribute $6.7 million in 2001, down from $8.4 million in 2000. Tracks and horsemen's associations are expected to contribute $5.7 million each, down from $7.8 million and $7.1 million, respectively. Dues from "other sources" will account for approximately $900,000, down from $1.4 million.

The NTRA also expects sponsorship revenues to decline in 2001 compared WITH 2000, from $5.5 million last year to $4.75 million this year.

Overall, the NTRA's budget for 2001 increased markedly over 2000 because of its consolidation with Breeders' Cup Inc. The 2001 budget is $56.6 million, while the 2000 budget was $31.8 million. Breeders' Cup will contribute $31.5 million to the budget this year, the NTRA said.