LEXINGTON, KY, April 15, 2022: In case you missed it, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s (NTRA) President and CEO Tom Rooney joined TVG’s Todd Schrupp while visiting Keeneland this week to discuss his first 100 days as leader of NTRA, policy issues impacting the thoroughbred racing industry, and much more.
Schrupp talked to Rooney about his experience in the Army and as a Member of Congress for ten years, both of which make him uniquely knowledgeable about running an organization and how Washington works. He also talked sports betting, gaining consensus in the industry, and who he’s predicting to win the Kentucky Derby. When asked why it’s so critical for the NTRA to open an office in Washington, D.C. Rooney said:
“There seems to be more and more issues that come up at the federal level that horse racing has to be on top of. The NTRA’s board, which makes up most of the industry including Shannon Arvin who is hosting us here at Keeneland on this beautiful day, feels it is imperative that we stake a flag in Washington, D.C. and make sure our industry is looked after there.”
In addition to being present at Keeneland, Rooney has visited Gulfstream Park (Florida), Tampa Bay Downs (Florida), Oaklawn Park Racing Casino Resort (Arkansas), Santa Anita Park (California), Churchill Downs (Kentucky), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (California), Fair Grounds Racing and Slots (Louisiana), Laurel Park (Maryland), and Sunland Park Racing and Casino (New Mexico) since becoming the head of the organization. He has also visited Payson Park (Florida), Ashford Stud (Kentucky), Claiborne Farm (Kentucky), Stonehaven Steadings (Kentucky), Hill ‘n’ Dale (Kentucky), and Darley at Jonabell Farm (Kentucky). Next week he will spend time at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS) Spring Sale, as well as Ocala Stud, Live Oak Stud and Bridlewood Farm in Ocala Florida.
Watch Tom’s full interview HERE and learn more about his first 100 days on the job HERE.
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