2002 PROGRESS REPORT, UPDATE ON SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR ELECTRONIC WAGERING SYSTEMS HIGHLIGHT

NTRA PRESENTATION AT RACING SYMPOSIUM

Today at the 29th annual Symposium on Racing held in Tucson, Ariz., officials from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) outlined the organization's accomplishments in 2002 and its goals for 2003 and presented a special update on new programs being implemented to enhance electronic wagering systems security.

The two-part NTRA presentation led with updates on organizational activities in the areas of television, sponsorship, marketing, legislation, NTRA Purchasing and the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. The second half of the presentation included a report on recent steps taken by the pari-mutuel horseracing and wagering industries in response to recommendations made by the NTRA Wagering Technology Working Group to improve electronic wagering systems security and strengthen consumer confidence in the integrity of the pari-mutuel system.

"By every measure we follow -- public interest in our sport, pari-mutuel handle, television ratings, sponsorship sales and membership levels -- 2002 was a particularly strong year," said NTRA Commissioner Tim Smith, "and we have high hopes for a repeat performance in 2003."

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horseracing interests, including the American Quarter Horse Association, charged with increasing popularity of horseracing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA and Breeders' Cup Limited also conduct the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships consisting of eight races and $13 million in purses and awards, the Breeders' Cup Stakes Program and the Great State Challenge. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA Web site, www.ntra.com.