NTRA sets $59M budget at meeting

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - The board of directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association on Thursday approved a $59.3 million operating budget at the group's first quarterly meeting of 2002, held at Gulfstream Park.

The budget includes a previously announced $1.5 million stimulus program to boost attendance and handle at NTRA member facilities. The board also approved a purchasing and marketing alliance with the American Quarter Horse Association; reviewed plans for the 2002 co-operative advertising campaign aimed at casual racing fans; approved formal affiliation with the National Council on Problem Gambling; and reviewed the status of several pending legislative issues.

The next NTRA board meeting is scheduled for June 7 at Belmont Park.