NTRA ANNOUNCES WAGERING TECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP

The NTRA today announced the formation of a Wagering Technology working group to review computer security in connection with wagering on horseracing and, working with other industry groups, to assure ongoing customer confidence in the integrity of all procedures and technology involved.

Officials stressed that the panel's purpose goes beyond current efforts to establish the facts in connection with last week's Breeders' Cup Ultra Pick Six wagering, which is currently being reviewed by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board. NTRA Commissioner Tim Smith said, "Our Board unanimously approved this initiative to assemble expert talent inside and outside the industry to assure our fans and customers that the technology in connection with wagering on horseracing is as reliable and secure as possible."

"Whatever the outcome of the current investigation by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, we must stay focused on the overriding priority of keeping faith with the fans and customers who support our game and industry through legal wagering. Ultimately, they are the ones who provide the purses and create our 472,000 jobs," Smith added.

The working group will identify and retain outside expertise in technology and security to advise the racing industry.

The group will be led by an oversight committee including Smith; D.G. Van Clief Jr., Breeders' Cup president and NTRA vice chairman; Chris Scherf, executive vice president of the Thoroughbred Racing Association; Paul Berube, president of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau; Alan Marzelli, chairman of Equibase; Lonny Powell, president of the Association of Racing Commissioners International; Frank Lamb, executive director of the North American Association of Pari-Mutuel Regulators; and Jim Quinn, noted Thoroughbred racing handicapper and author.

Specialized task forces in Legal, Technology and Communications areas also are being established immediately, with a combination of internal industry and outside expert resources. NTRA executives Greg Avioli (Legal), Ken Kirchner (Technology) and Keith Chamblin (Communications) will coordinate the work of the task forces. A further list of task force members and consultants is expected to be released next week.

Avioli and Kirchner also are acting as the NTRA/Breeders' Cup's main contacts with the ongoing investigation relating to the Breeders' Cup Ultra Pick Six. Steve Sexton is the representative of Arlington Park for these matters, and NTRA consultant Chip Tuttle of Conover Tuttle is handling all media inquiries.

Smith and Van Clief will be available to answer questions during an NTRA Communications teleconference to be held this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. (ET). The dial-in number for the call is (913) 981-5581.