Horse Racing News: National Thoroughbred League Expands with New Investors and Increased Prize Purses
The National Thoroughbred League (NTL) is making waves in the world of horse racing with its recent expansion and the addition of several high-profile investors. The league, which is preparing for its second season, has announced the inclusion of NBA legend and basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving as the owner of the Philadelphia Stallions, as well as Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tanya Tucker, who will own the Nashville Dreams franchise.
This latest announcement comes as the NTL expands from six franchises to 10 ahead of the 2024 season. The league will now offer almost $3 million in prize purses, a significant increase from the less than $1 million available in its inaugural year.
“Philadelphia and horse racing both hold a special place in my heart, and I am proud to help the Stallions build another fan favorite in the Philadelphia market,” – Julius Erving
Tucker, a renowned country music icon, will co-host the inaugural Nashville Cup event at Kentucky Downs on September 1, which will feature a $1 million kickoff race and celebrate the intersection of horses and music.
The league’s co-founder, Randall Lane, commented on the league’s growing momentum, saying, “Today is an exciting day for the National Thoroughbred League that shows the excitement behind what we’ve accomplished with our inaugural season and the momentum that we’re bringing into this next year of operations.”
In addition to Erving and Tucker, the NTL’s roster of team owners includes other notable figures such as Nelly, Rick Ross, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Moira Forbes, as well as numerous veteran investors. The league’s innovative team-based structure and the opportunity for fans to engage with their local teams have proven to be a significant draw for both new and established horse racing enthusiasts.
The upcoming 2024 NTL season will feature a Cup Series, a competition format involving 10 teams with two horses and their jockeys per team. The league table format will award points based on the finishing positions of the horses, with the team accumulating the highest total points crowned as the NTL champion.
Tickets for the 2024 season are now on sale, and fans can look forward to a series of exciting events, including the Nashville Cup, the Philadelphia Cup, and the Phoenix Cup, which will feature live music performances, Oktoberfest celebrations, and golf tournaments.
The National Thoroughbred League’s expansion and the influx of new investors demonstrate the growing popularity and appeal of this innovative approach to horse racing. As the sport continues to evolve, the NTL’s unique model is poised to captivate audiences and elevate the thrilling experience of thoroughbred racing.
🔗 Source