The National Thoroughbred League (NTL) will begin its second season with a stop at Kentucky Downs on Sunday, Sept. 1, the track said in a Thursday release.
Launched last year, the NTL tour adds a competitive component for its teams based on the outcome of races. At Kentucky Downs, that will involve a five-race sequence culminating in the $500,000 National Thoroughbred League Handicap.
There are no nomination, entry or starter fees for the scheduled handicap, though horses must be nominated by Aug. 19, with declarations to be made by Aug. 24 and weights announced Aug. 26. Of the $500,000 purse, $200,000 is restricted to eligible Kentucky-breds.
“We want to support innovation that's designed to create new fans and we're happy to have the NTL at Kentucky Downs for the second year,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs's vice president for racing.
“There's not a better place to launch our season than in two unique venues like as Nashville and Kentucky Downs,” said NTL President Tom Ludt. “We appreciative the Kentucky Downs team for helping to facilitate our dream designed to grow the sport we all love.”
As part of the festivities, the NTL is staging an on-track party in Kentucky Downs's VIP Chalet. The public can join the NTL VIP party by buying tickets through the track's online ticket office.
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