1/4 % Check-off Program

The NTRA’s federal legislative team represents horse racing every day in Washington, DC.  Find out more about the strategy and how you can help.

Buyers, sellers, consignors and their clients may support the Campaign by pledging 1/4 of one percent on the price of horses sold at Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA). Every $1,000 in a horse’s sale price equates to $2.50 to the Campaign.

Consignors, sellers and designated agents may “pre-commit” their pledge by checking the box on Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton sales entry forms. Buyers — and sellers who miss the deadline for pre-commitments — can pledge until the close of the sale billing.

For OBS sales, the NTRA requests support following the sales through a letter that details sales activity and lists suggested contribution amounts.

Buyers at CTBA sales may also participate by reading details on the Acknowledgement of Purchase and including a contribution when submitting payment. Seller/consignor participation will begin with the August 2021 yearling sale.

Foal Program

Another way to support the Campaign is through the NTRA’s Foal Program.  Owners may contribute $50 per registered foal.

The NTRA conducts a bi-annual direct mail solicitation to fund the Foal Program.  However, owners may send contributions at any time to:  NTRA Legislative Action Campaign, 401 W Main St, Suite 222, Lexington, KY  40507.

100% of contributions to the Campaign are earmarked for Federal lobbying.

If you currently contribute through the ¼ % Check-off Program or the Foal Program, we offer our thanks. Your support is vital to our success and we are grateful that you have chosen to participate.

Horseplayers’ Coalition

The Horseplayers’ Coalition is the NTRA’s legislative voice for horse racing’s customers. The Coalition seeks legislative and regulatory solutions to Federal tax issues that impact horseplayers and pari-mutuel racetracks, and provides grassroots support for NTRA’s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. The Coalition’s Advisory Panel is tasked with helping the NTRA Legislative team identify, establish and prioritize player-friendly legislation.

In September 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that they would formally adopt modernized regulations regarding the withholding and reporting of pari-mutuel proceeds. The NTRA had long pressed for these updated regulations that will allow horseplayers to keep more of their winnings, thereby increasing the amount wagered on U.S. pari-mutuel racing by as much as 10 percent annually, or upwards of $1 billion, according to independent estimates.

Under the new regulations, the IRS will consider the inclusion of a bettor’s entire investment in a single pari-mutuel pool when determining the amount reported or withheld for tax purposes, as opposed to only the amount wagered on the correct result.

Horseplayers wagering on pari-mutuel races were subject to reporting of winnings over $600 or more and automatic Federal tax withholding on pari-mutual winnings of $5,000 or more at odds of at least 300-1.  The “cost of a wager,” had been defined simply as the single winning bet the player makes (versus the total investment made), was at the center of these calculations, which frequently triggered reporting and/or withholding for horseplayers.  Withholding reduces players’ liquidity during handicapping and adversely impact pari-mutual handle and purses.  Withholding levels for pari-mutual winnings have been pegged at $5,000 since 1992.  Reporting levels have not changed since the mid-1970s.

Annual membership in the Horseplayers’ Coalition is $25.

Horseplayers may also sign up for the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship Tour (NHC Tour) at the $95 level, where a portion of the fee is earmarked to support the NTRA’s federal legislative advocacy.

If you are already a member of the Horseplayers’ Coalition, thank you for your support. Please send us your comments and question – we are always eager to hear from you.

Supporters of the NTRA Legislative Action Campaign programs are eligible to receive preferred pricing from NTRA Advantage Equine Discounts, offering products and services from companies like John Deere, Sherwin-Williams, Big Ass Fans, Farmers Insurance, Office Depot and more.

Horse PAC®

Horse PAC®is the Political Action Committee of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.  The PAC gives bipartisan support to federal political candidates who:

  • Serve on Congressional committees that oversee livestock and agricultural issues, Internet gaming, taxation, immigration and the Interstate Horseracing Act
  • Are established Congressional leaders
  • Understand horse racing’s issues
  • Have racetracks, OTBs, ADW facilities, breeding farms, training centers or other equine venues in their district
  • Are members of the Congressional Horse Caucus
  • Are emerging leaders meriting “early support”

Since 2002, Horse PAC®has supported more than 200 candidates and raised over $4 million.