News Releases

Monday, April 16, 2012Contact: Bob Curran Jr. (212) 521-5326
The Jockey Club and NTRA Launch America’s Best Racing Website

The Jockey Club and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today the launch of a new fan-oriented website: America’s Best Racing.

The web address is followhorseracing.com.

The new site, jointly managed by The Jockey Club and NTRA Communications, includes information about horses, jockeys, trainers, owners, and races; various tools to explore and learn about wagering; and the latest news, videos and photographs surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup seasons. There are profiles of the top 50 Triple Crown contenders and their connections, features provided by The Blood-Horse, and contributions from more than a dozen of the sport’s leading bloggers and reporters.

“America’s Best Racing is a key component in The Jockey Club’s multi-pronged marketing and fan development campaign, which includes the Road to the Kentucky Derby television series and the development of other digital content,” said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “Following its initial launch, America’s Best Racing will grow and unfold through a series of phased roll-outs as Thoroughbred racing transitions from the Triple Crown season to the Road to the Breeders’ Cup,” Gagliano added. “Additional content relating to the older horses will be added and new features will include behind-the-scenes access, exclusive videos, interactive functionalities and social media games.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with The Jockey Club to expand the sport’s digital platform,” said Alex Waldrop, president and chief executive officer of the NTRA. “At a future date, many of the fan-centric components of NTRA.com will be transitioned to America’s Best Racing.” The America’s Best Racing website was designed by Lightmaker, an international digital strategy company whose brand portfolio includes Disney, EA Sports, The Open Championship, World Anti-Doping Agency, Professional Bull Riders, Sony Play Station, JK Rowling, Manchester United and Chelsea Football Club. Lightmaker maintains offices in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Canada and the United States.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms.

In August 2011, following a comprehensive study of the sport by McKinsey & Company, The Jockey Club announced a series of new fan development initiatives entitled, “Driving Sustainable Growth for Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding.” Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.