rachel

rachel

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Role of the NTRA – Part I

Alex Waldrop

One of the very few things I don't like about writing these blogs is that I don't have nearly enough time to respond to as many of your interesting comments as I'd like. But this week, I want to focus on a recent query from one of my readers asking me to explain to those "on the horse side" of the business, "What is the role of NTRA - what can NTRA realistically accomplish week to week?"

First, the NTRA is different from racing's so-called "alphabet soup" groups, each of which is a traditional (and valuable) trade association representing a single group of similarly situated organizations and/or people. For instance, the HBPA is made up of trainers and owners. The TRA consists entirely of race tracks. TOBA represents owners and breeders. The NTRA is an amalgam of almost every constituency in horseracing. Our Board of Directors consists of an equal number of horsemen (owners, breeders, trainers and sales companies) and tracks (including CDI, MEC, NYRA, Keeneland and regionally elected track reps). The strength of the NTRA is its inclusiveness.

That inclusiveness can also make it difficult to act because doing so requires a consensus among all the constituencies. In that respect, the NTRA is more like a legislative body than a trade association because we have to consider multiple points of view when we act. Some in our business feel that "consensus" is a four letter word and push for a more autocratic model like a "league" with a "commissioner." Truth is, sports leagues and commissioners are consensus-driven as well. They just have fewer constituencies to lead. This is why many of the well-intentioned suggestions about leagues, commissioners, czars and the like in racing are extremely difficult to implement effectively.

In spite of the challenges, the NTRA does a lot that affects "the horse side" on a daily basis, and I will be sharing some insights with you over the next few weeks in a series of blogs. Perhaps the most important way we impact the horse industry is through our work in Washington, D.C. Precisely because of our broad-based constituency, we are the kind of group that federal lawmakers like to hear from. They want one point of contact and clear guidance from the industry. The NTRA is able to provide that and, as a consequence, we are recognized as the voice of the Thoroughbred racing industry. Speaking with a clear, strong voice on behalf of our stakeholders, we have secured passage of legislation protecting horse racing's right to conduct Internet wagering (which supports purses for horsemen), and legislation to shorten the depreciation schedule for young horses (which makes horse ownership more affordable). In a town where thousands of bills are introduced annually and only a few hundred are ever passed, we have a remarkable track record.

Supporting all of these federal efforts is the NTRA's political action committee known as Horse PAC, which has raised and contributed some $2 million to federal candidates since 2003. Few in our industry are aware of the fact that ours is one of the largest gaming/wagering political action committees in the country. PAC money does not buy influence or guarantee any outcome, but it is a vitally important lobbying tool.

Equally important is the NTRA's 1/4 percent Check-Off program, which raises money to fund our federal lobbying. The Check-Off Program lets horse buyers, sellers and consigners at Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, OBS and Barretts contribute directly to the NTRA's lobbying fund. The sales companies themselves join in, with more the $1 million raised annually to fund our legislative efforts on Capitol Hill.

What is the NTRA doing now on Capitol Hill that affects you? Plenty. We are working to delay implementation of the regulations associated with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). Simply put, the regulations can negatively affect the ability of horseplayers to fund their advance deposit wagering accounts. A $1.3 billion market is at risk. So are the thousands of online horseplayers and the hundreds of thousands of purse dollars that Internet wagering brings to our sport. Fans and revenues are two things our industry can't afford to lose.

We also drafted and found sponsors for the Pace Act to eliminate the automatic federal tax withholding on winning wagers. Again, this puts more money in the hands of our horseplayers who in turn wager more, which pushes purses for owners higher. We founded the Horseplayers' Coalition, made up of NHC Tour participants and other horseplayers, to help push this bill and other player issues in Washington.

To sum up, effective political advocacy has three main ingredients: consensus, preparedness and opportunity. We start with issues that the industry fully supports. We work diligently to research and draft legislation, meet with lawmakers and their vehicle that can pass through Congress. Our legislative staff, attend political fundraisers and then identify an appropriate legislative team is constantly building relationships with those who understand our industry's issues while it looks for legislative opportunities, which ebb and flow daily in Washington.

Occasionally, we have issues that are so complex, divisive and far-reaching that there's no industry consensus on them. In those instances, we turn to alternative solutions such as public policy, industry programs like the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance, and NTRA Charities. Why? Because our success in the political arena depends first and foremost on consensus. In the absence of agreement, we can't – and shouldn't – expect Congress to solve our problems for us. Fortunately, the NTRA is equipped to provide industry-based solutions, too.

I will discuss the work of NTRA Charities in more detail next week in Part II of this series. Part III will cover our Safety & Integrity Alliance, and Part IV will highlight the NTRA's marketing and promotions.

25 comments:

F. Max said...

Salomon trail shoes, but they suck on the treadmill as they are made for the trail. I am soooo glad I purchased these Asics 1140 Running shoes and I got them at a killer price of 59 bucks. I notice my feet are not near as sore after I walk and there is alot of heel cushion.

trade show exhibits said...

I never knew what NTRA does and when i came to know about it i got shocked. It does a lot of work.

trade show displays said...

The body of NTRA is a well organised body in the entire world. I have never seen such an understanding in the team when compared worldwide.

chicago mba said...

NTRA should be set up as an example for the various organisations present around the world to function as they do. A coordination needs to be brought in the organisations present around the world.

mba program said...

Ever since i came to know about the NTRA organization, i have its fan. I like the way in which it executes its work.

Online learning said...

The NTRA has written down a history lately and i think that it should be a part of school curriculum. Lets hope for the improvement.

IT Project Management Degree said...

NTRA is one such organization which i would like to join. All my role models are present over here.

shrink wrapping said...

The NTRA organization is the best run organization in the world. The manner of running it is great and has no comparison.

P. Rozac said...

Most people want to fit in with the rest of the group. A child who is overweight is often the target of the jokes of other children. It is not the kids fault alone that they are being teased, the adults in their lives must also shoulder some of the blame. The adults are the ones who can create an environment that can help their youngsters thrive and succeed in.

chicago cosmetic dentist said...

Given the number of global, particularly African, influences in fashion this season, it's not surprising that fashion editors would choose to set photo shoots in Africa. But the resulting photographs raise issues that were easily forgotten in the sanitized, rock-music-fueled environs of an Oscar de la Renta show.

chicago dental crowns said...

I think that NTRA is doing a pretty good job. It should be appreciated for the work it has been doing till now.

build credit score said...

NTRA on its part is doing a wonderful job and i think it would keep up the good work which it is doing.

mother\'s day gifts said...

Ntra on its part are doing out wonders and therefore our expectations have increased from it.

T. Rama said...

A coordination needs to be brought in the organisations present around the world.I never knew what NTRA does and when i came to know about it i got shocked.

S. Trad said...

It's not surprising that fashion editors would choose to set photo shoots in Africa. But the resulting photographs raise issues that were easily forgotten in the sanitized, rock-music-fueled environs of an Oscar de la Renta show.

D. Rad said...

Ntra is the best organization i have ever seen. It has done a lot of work for the welfare of the people.

http://www.dentalsalon.com/dentist-services/emergencies said...

Given the number of global, particularly African, influences in fashion this season, it's not surprising that fashion editors would choose to set photo shoots in Africa. But the resulting photographs raise issues that were easily forgotten in the sanitized, rock-music-fueled environs of an Oscar de la Renta show.

seduce flirt  said...

I think that NTRA is doing its job in a good manner and has also brought about good results. A lot have been benefited by it.

replica handbags  said...

I never knew what NTRA does and when i came to know about it i got shocked. It does a lot of work.

high temperature wire said...

I think that Ntra on its part has done exceptional job and it should be praised for what it has done. Keep up the good work.

Get Your Ex Back said...

I think that NTRA on its part is doing a pretty good job. It is serving the mankind with full force.

Six Pack Abs said...

A coordination needs to be brought in the organisations present around the world.

Lose Weight Fast said...

The acai berry is known for its anti-aging properties. It, also, improves vision, fights against insomnia and helps a person to sleep. It promotes weight loss and boosts the immune system, too.

besthandbags said...

hey! thank gotta bite it from begging

B. Jack said...

NTRA is doing a pretty good job. It should be appreciated for the work it has been doing till now.

Thoroughbred News | BloodHorse.com

AMAZON

SWAG BUCKS