NYTHA to launch Empire Racing Club

ELMONT, N.Y. – The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association said it will establish the Empire Racing Club, a non-profit organization designed to introduce fans to racehorse ownership.

The club will be limited to 200 members and it will cost $500 to join. That fee covers membership for 2019. Todd Pletcher, a seven-time Eclipse Award winning trainer, will be the trainer for the Empire Racing Club. Retired racetrack announcer Tom Durkin will serve as the club’s managing partner.

“Anything that promotes racing, I’m for,” Pletcher said Friday. “Hopefully, we do as well as Wayne’s done with Warrior’s Club.”

The Empire Racing Club is designed along the lines of the Churchill Downs Racing Club. That club’s first horse was Warrior’s Club, who, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, has won 5 of 32 starts including the Grade 3 Commonwealth Stakes and has earned nearly $800,000.

In addition to owning a horse, Empire Racing Club members will get behind-the-scenes access and learn about the different aspects of ownership.

As an added perk, an Empire Racing Club member who opens a new account with NYRA Bets gets a $200 wagering credit.

For more information on joining the Empire Racing Club, visit their website or send them an email.