News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by Thoroughbred Racing Communications, Inc. (TRC) (212.371.5911..)

UNPRECEDENTED ALLIANCE TO PLAN NEW NATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR THOROUGHBRED RACING

Several leading Thoroughbred organizations today announced an alliance which will undertake the creation of a new coordination and marketing structure for the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

As the heart of the cooperative initiative is the generation through new and existing revenue sources of a critical mass of minimum funding, initially estimated at $50 million annually, for national advertising, network and cable television exposure and related marketing programs. The national television strategy is also expected to include interactive home wagering opportunities.

Those endorsing the initiative included Breeders' Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, Keeneland Association, the National Thoroughbred Association (NTA), Oak Tree Racing Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) and Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA). Others are expected and encouraged to add their support of the process.

The planning process is to be executed on an expedited basis through a series of committees devoted to television and marketing, the maximization of revenue opportunities from sources such as joint purchasing, the pooling of rights, simulcasting, sponsorship, and organization, finance and legal matters.

Those endorsing the proposal have pledged support for the following strategic goals:
-Creation of a centralized coordination and marketing structure, with a priority mission to reverse the decline of live racing
-Bold action to maximize opportunities for the growth and future health of the industry to benefit both owner purses and racetrack revenues
-Generation, through a combination of existing and new revenue sources, of a critical mass of minimum funding, initially estimated at $50 million per year, for national advertising, incremental television exposure and other marketing programs
-Pursuit and implementation of an effective national television strategy which includes cable television, interactive in-home wagering and a higher profile for the sport of racing on network television
-Once consolidated, active exploration of additional international and technology-related opportunities
-Early accomplishment of the first steps in the areas of television and marketing, in order to achieve meaningful results beginning in 1998.

Underlining their support for these goals, Keeneland, Oak Tree, Breeders' Cup and The Jockey Club have each agreed to put up $1 million to guarantee initial funding.

Jockey Club chairman Ogden Mills Phipps praised the unselfish determination of a wide variety of Thoroughbred interests to join in the industry restructuring process and thanked participants and supporters of the project.

'We all recognize the need for structural change in how racing is organized, funded and marketed,' he said. 'What makes this occasion historic is the broad-based commitment of different sectors of the industry to sign off on a process aimed at making that change.

'We have many people to thank,' Phipps continued. 'The organizations which have joined The Jockey Club in guaranteeing financial and staff support...the NTA, whose ideas have done much to build up momentum for a positive, structural change...and the racetracks, whose participation is an essential component for success...without these, and many others who have expressed their support and offered commitments of help, an announcement such as this would not have been possible.'

John R. Gaines, chairman of the National Thoroughbred Association, said, 'The NTA applauds The Jockey Club for their leadership in convening this remarkable group, with the clear mission of achieving the kind of national structure and marketing programs that Thoroughbred racing so desperately needs. We are delighted to participate and have the highest hopes for a successful outcome to the upcoming meetings.'

William S. Farish, chairman of the executive committee of the Breeders' Cup and chairman of Churchill Downs, also voiced support for the goals of a national office and a more coordinated approach to television and marketing.

'To a large degree, the success of the Breeders' Cup has come from the way the concept seeks strength and support from all sectors of the industry - from the breeders, the owners and the racetracks. Equibase is another example of what the industry can accomplish when it works together,' he said. 'That is what has made these initiatives work.

'The NTA has shown that owners and breeders are interested in national leadership,' Farish continued. 'Now, with the inclusion of the race tracks and national organizations, we have all sectors of the industry working together for the same goal. That is what will give the process its strength.'

Keeneland chairman, James E. 'Ted' Bassett III, said, 'For the first time, the many and disparate segments of our sport have together declared their intent to put the overall interest of the industry before their individual agenda.'

Hal Handel, president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America (TRA), saw the broad-based representation as a vital ingredient for success.

'Speaking on behalf of the TRA, I feel strongly that the challenges facing Thoroughbred racing demand the participation of all segments of the industry,' he said 'This process puts us at the table and lets us be a constructive part of reaching the industry's ambitious but necessary goals. This should enhance the confidence level of every track, whatever their size or geographic location.'

Sherwood Chillingworth, Oak Tree's executive vice president said that 'the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and NTA have been helpful in stimulating thinking in the Thoroughbred industry.

'The proposed organization,' he continued, 'is a practical outgrowth of this stimulation, that puts racing associations and owners on an equal footing and pulling in the same harness. That is what the industry has needed in order to move forward.

'We are proud of the many contributions to the betterment of racing Oak Tree has been able to make,' Chillingworth concluded. 'But this is an especially worthwhile project, which could be vital to the future of our sport in every jurisdiction in the country, and we are pleased to be a part of the initiative group.'

While the process will be non-public and does not have a formal deadline for completion, an ambitious schedule calls for staff to be assigned, work expedited and progress demonstrated before the Kentucky Derby. Individual organizations have agreed to withhold any further comments until the conclusion of the planning process.

MANDELLA PAIR DRAWS OUTSIDE FOR DUBAI WORLD CUP

Speed on the outside, British on the inside, was the order of the day after Tuesday's post position draw for the $4 million Dubai World Cup. Richard Mandella's Siphon (BRZ), the race favorite at 5-2, drew post 10 while local hope Key of Luck will start from the far outside 13 post. Key of Luck, trained by ex-D. Wayne Lukas assistant Kiaran McLoughlin, won last year's Dubai Duty Free by 20 lengths in faster time than Cigar won his World Cup. The other American entrants, Sandpit (BRZ) and Formal Gold, drew posts 12 and three, respectively. British trainers were bemoaning their inside posts and worrying that their turf horses would be unaccustomed to having sand kicked in their faces. Even Top, Singspiel (IRE), Bijou d'Inde (GB), Flemensfirth and Luso (GB) drew posts one, two, five, six and seven. Post time for Saturday's World Cup is 11:15 a.m. (EST).

DUBAI WORLD CUP ON THE AIR

The Dubai World Cup and Dubai Duty Free will be seen in 145 countries around the world with 17 broadcast groups representing 11 countries on hand. England's Sunset and Vine Productions will produce the 1 3-4-hour broadcast, which will be hosted by American racing announcer Chris Lincoln with commentary by England's Brough Scott and race calls by Derrick Thompson. The broadcast will be shown on a delayed basis in the U.S. during ESPN's coverage of the Jim Beam Stakes, Saturday from 6-7 p.m. (EST).

CIGAR IS IN THE HANDS OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES

The insurance companies that underwrote the infertility insurance on two-time Horse of the Year Cigar agreed to pay $25 million to settle the claim filed by owners Allen Paulson and Coolmore Stud. Coolmore, which owns 75 percent of Cigar, will receive $18.75 million and Paulson will get $6.25 million. Cigar will be moved from Ashford Stud, Coolmore's Central Kentucky division, as soon as the funds are transferred. Paulson has said he would be interested in buying back Cigar. 'I am just waiting for the payment,' Paulson told ABC Radio Sports on Monday. 'There's a consortium of quite a few people, but I hope to get the money this week. I want to provide a good home for the horse for the rest of his life. He gave a lot to me and my family and the world.'

RETAMA PARK EMERGES FROM BANKRUPTCY

Retama Park, in San Antonio, Texas, announced the closing of its bond sale and emergence from Chapter 9 bankruptcy on Wednesday. Nearly $94 million worth of bonds were purchased, mostly by Call Now, Inc. and Howe, Solomon and Hall. The bond sale will go to pay off old bonds, fund the remaining costs of the bankruptcy and provide $2.15 million in credit for operations. Retama has taken over control of its food and beverage operations and announced a new sales and marketing approach, with expanded menus, reduced prices on food and drinks and an emphasis on hosting events year-round.

JOCKEY PINCAY INJURED

Hall of Fame Laffit Pincay Jr. fractured his ribs Wednesday, March 26, when his horse, Strawberry Patch, fell during the second race at Santa Anita Park. His injuries precluded his riding opening day at Emerald Downs in Washington, March 27.

NEW MEXICO TRACKS GET SLOTS

The New Mexico legislature approved a bill permitting 300 slot machines at each racetrack in the state, which may be operated 12 hours a day. Lawmakers also approved an off-track betting bill. Since the startup of Indian casinos, New Mexico racing has suffered serious decreases in handle and attendance.

NEW OMAHA TRACK PROPOSED

In order to secure simulcast rights, the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protection Association plans to build a racetrack in Omaha next year. Recently sold AKsarben, which did not have live racing in 1996, will lose its simulcast rights on Dec. 31 at the latest, and possibly as early as May 31 if the AKsarben Future Trust board refuses to extend the rights to the end of 1997. Tracks may only conduct simulcasting if they run at least two days of live racing per year. The new track would not have a grandstand or barn area.

NYRA IN THE BLACK

The New York Racing Association, which has lost money every year since 1990, reported a profit of $3.6 million for 1996. 'We were blessed with some favorable legislation that allowed us to improve our revenues,' said Alec Ingle, NYRA's chief financial officer. 'We also were able to right-size our operations so that they were consistent with what our on-track activity levels were - the result being a reduction in expenses with an improvement in service.'

A profit of $2.5 million has been projected for 1997, and 'we're very comfortable with that number at this point,' said Ingle.

(VERY) EARLY POST TIME AT HASTINGS PARK

Post time for the first race at Hastings Park, in Vancouver, B.C., will at 4:30 - in the morning - starting April 16. No, the horses aren't going to be running in the dark, 4:30 a.m. marks the first simulcast race from Hong Kong. Hastings Park, which has successfully simulcast from Hong Kong on weekends, will introduce Wednesday simulcasts in response to customer demand. 'We are very surprised by their enthusiasm to come out for a program that begins in the middle of the night,' said Brian Pound, director of simulcasting, 'but followers of Hong Kong racing are probably the most loyal sports fans on the planet.' The final race should go off at about 7:30 a.m., just in time for the early risers to head off to the office.

Wagering in Hong Kong itself is the highest in the world, with nearly $18 million bet on each and every race in the short season.

LUKAS WINS KENTUCKY AWARD

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas won the Kentucky Thoroughbred Media's Trainer of the Year award for the sixth time in seven years, with 93 victories in the state. Pat Day, despite riding in Kentucky for only five months, was top rider and Raymond Cottrell Sr. the leading owner.

RACING TO HISTORY

March 29, 1917: Man o' War, who would go on to win 20 of his 21 career starts, was foaled at Nursery Stud, Lexington, Ky.

March 29, 1938: In observance of Man o' War's 21st birthday, the celebration was broadcast nationally via radio from Faraway Farm, where he stood at stud.

March 29, 1969: Diane Crump became the first female jockey to win a stakes race when she took the Spring Fiesta Cup at the Fair Grounds aboard Easy Lime.

March 29, 1988: Jockey Pat Day won his 4,000th victory, aboard Ann's Bid, in the ninth race at Oaklawn Park.

March 30, 1952: New York Governor Thomas Dewey signed a statute transferring licensing authority from The Jockey Club to the New York Racing Commission.

March 30, 1970: Secretariat was foaled at The Meadow, Doswell, Va.

March 30, 1985: Laffit Pincay Jr. became the second jockey in history to surpass John Longden's record of 6,032 victories, riding Sovereignty to victory in the sixth race at Santa Anita Park.

April 1, 1940: New York legalized parimutuel wagering and outlawed book-makers at the state's racetracks.

April 2, 1938: Future Triple Crown winner Whirlaway was foaled at Calumet Farm, Lexington, Ky.

April 3, 1962: At the age of 46, jockey Eddie Arcaro announced his retirement. He retired with 4,779 victories, including two Triple Crowns, won with Whirlaway and Citation.

RACING ON THE AIR

Jim Beam Stakes, 3yo, $600,000, 1 1-8 Miles, Grade II, Turfway
George Steinbrenner's Concerto, winner of his last three starts, will be favored. Concerto won the March 8 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway won by six lengths. The field is expected to include Funontherun and Inexcessivelygood, first and second, respectively, in the Grade II San Rafael Stakes, March 2 at Santa Anita; 1996 Nashua Stakes winner Jules; Jack Flash; and Shammy Davis, who finished second to Jules in the Nashua.

Gotham Stakes, 3yo, $200,000, 1 Mile, Grade II, Aqueduct
Ordway won the last year's Grade I Champagne Stakes and was third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile but he was a disappointing eighth in his 1997 debut, the Hutcheson Stakes, Feb. 2. The Silver Move won the Grade II Remsen Stakes last fall and was third in the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream. Wild Wonder lost for the first time in five career starts in the El Camino Real Derby March 8, while Deeds Not Words has been working well for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

Fairway Fun Stakes, 4&up (f&m), $75,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Turfway

Rushaway Stakes, 3yo, $75,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Turfway

Bourbonette Stakes, 3yo fillies, $100,000, 1 Mile, Turfway

Queen Breeders' Cup, 4&up (f&m), $110,000, 6 Furlongs, Turfway

Explosive Bid Handicap, 4&up, $175,000, 1 1-8 Miles Turf, Grade III, Fair Grounds

Hialeah Breeders' Cup handicap, 3&up (f&m), $100,000, 1 1-16 Miles Turf, Hialeah

Santa Lucia Handicap, 4&up (f&m), $75,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Santa Anita

Bougainvillea Handicap, 3&up, $100,000, 1 1-8 Miles Turf, Grade III, Hialeah

Santa Paula Stakes, 3yo fillies, $100,000, 6 1-2 Furlongs, Santa Anita

The Running Horse (http://www.isd1.com/)