Joint Statement of Maryland Jockey Club and NTRA

The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that the MJC's racetracks, including Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park, have rejoined the NTRA. MJC Chairman and CEO Joseph A. De Francis will be joining the NTRA Board as the racetrack director representing the Mid-Atlantic region, effective immediately.

"We're delighted to have the Maryland Jockey Club continue as an important member of the NTRA and welcome Joe to the Board, particularly at the current time when our long-range plan is being reviewed and updated," said NTRA Commissioner Tim Smith.

De Francis chaired an independent advisory group in 2000, which suggested a number of NTRA policy and governance reforms.

"I'm satisfied that good-faith progress has been made in a number of the areas addressed by our committee, and we also agreed that it was important to keep the NTRA, Breeders' Cup and Triple Crown as closely aligned as possible for marketing purposes. I look forward to joining the Board and contributing to a stronger NTRA and industry," said De Francis.