In early January, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and Equibase Company LLC released year-end totals for pari-mutuel wagering in the United States and Canada on U.S. Thoroughbred racing in 2002, as well as for U.S. purses and race days, with prior-year comparisons.

According to Equibase’s “Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators,” total wagering increased 3.19 percent, to $15,048,033,312, in 2002. Total U.S. purses increased 0.63 percent to $1,074,240,247, again topping $1 billion. Total racing days for 2002 dropped slightly, from 6,578 to 6,545, mostly from race-day cancellations caused by inclement weather.

Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators (2002 versus 2001)

In other NTRA news, FedEx has joined NTRA Purchasing as its newest partner. Other recent additions include Daktronics, makers of electronic signage, and Kentucky Buying Cooperative, source of horse supplies ranging from tack to everyday horse care products.

NTRA Purchasing provides substantial discounts on products and services from national vendors such as John Deere, Toshiba, Sherwin-Williams, Boise Office Solutions, AGS printing and Hallway Feeds. NTRA Purchasing benefits are available to all NTRA members, Breeders’ Cup nominators and members and employees of NTRA-supporting organizations. For more information call NTRA Purchasing at (866) 678-4289 or visit the NTRA Web site, www.NTRA.com.