JOHN DEERE RENEWS NTRA SPONSORSHIP

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that John Deere, the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, has renewed its sponsorship agreement with the NTRA for an additional two years. Consistent with its May 1999 deal with the NTRA, John Deere will continue in its role as an NTRA Official Supplier and television sponsor and also maintain its participation in the NTRA group purchasing program, administered by EquiSource.

"We're delighted to extend our agreement with John Deere for another two years," said NTRA Commissioner Tim Smith. "It's especially gratifying to know that our members can gain special access to a wide array of outstanding equipment from a company committed to the success of our industry."

As part of the seven-figure agreement, negotiated by the NTRA and EquiSource (the NTRA's group purchasing organization), selected NTRA members will continue to be able to purchase or lease John Deere agricultural tractors, equipment and implements with preferred member discounts, strong warranty programs and competitive financing packages.

"The Thoroughbred industry represents a vital and important market for our products," said Mark Johnson, manager of national accounts for John Deere. "We are obviously pleased with our relationship with EquiSource, the NTRA and its members, and we look forward to another mutually beneficial two years."

"This is a classic example of the kind of value the NTRA and EquiSource can deliver to the members," said Bill Lehmann, president of EquiSource. "By partnering with a company of John Deere's caliber, we can deliver top-notch buying power to even relatively small-scale purchasers."

Other NTRA Official Suppliers include Boise Cascade Office Products, Equibase, Hallway Feeds, IKON Office Solutions, International Game Technology, The Jockey Club Information Systems, KBC International, Presort Services, RCA and Weinstein, Jones & Associates. The American Quarter Horse Association, The Blood-Horse, Daily Racing Form and TVG are NTRA Official Sponsors.

One of the world's oldest and most respected enterprises, John Deere (www.JohnDeere.com) creates smart and innovative solutions, in the form of advanced machines, services and concepts, for customers on the farmsite, worksite and homesite worldwide.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horseracing interests, including the American Quarter Horse Association, charged with increasing awareness of Thoroughbred racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA also conducts the Breeders' Cup, Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championship consisting of eight races and $13 million in purses and awards, and the Breeders' Cup National Stakes Program, which are funded by the industry's owners and breeders. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. A compendium of NTRA press releases appears on the NTRA Web site, ntra.com, and at the Web site for the Breeders' Cup Championship, breederscup.com. Contact the NTRA at ntra@ntra.com.