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Originally Posted by aratrace
Excellent question!
The simple response is that the NTRA does not tell us anything about their "hold". The next and more important question is, Why? You can be certain that they would trumpet the numbers if the "overhead cost" was at least reasonably close to the "hold".
In the beginning of the NTRA the NHC Handicapping Championship was created to provide a year-end "eclipse award" worthy event, grow the player base, enhance the horseplayer experience and benefit the NTRA member tracks through increased attendance and handle. All contest entry fees were earmarked for the benefit of the Championship. All related overhead was absorbed by the Member Tracks and Association dues.
As the NHC Final grows there is absolutely increased overhead. Tour membership fees cover some of these additional costs. How much is the question....and the answer from is the same......silence!
It's also important to note that the exponential growth of Online Contests will continue to erode any NTRA benefit to the Brick & Mortar's, who just happen to be paying significant dues to the NTRA. Is it possible that this (conflict of interest) may be the reason the NTRA doesn't want the light of transparency to shine too brightly?
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Thanks for bringing all to light. I assumed that funds were set aside for administrative costs: maintaining website, staff personnel, miscellaneous overhead - NTRA personnel fly to Brick & Mortar contests to sign-up membership which seems like an expense that could be saved by asking the venue management to utilize their staff member to oversee the simple procedure.
In recent years, several mid-Atlantic tracks: Delaware, PARX and Laurel have dropped-out of NTRA membership. Both Delaware and Laurel have switched to HPWS participation and Parx no longer has a contest. Monmouth has continued participation but eliminated the late Summer/Fall 2011 contest and has only scheduled the Simulcast Series Challenge in 2012.
Brick & Mortars provide a higher stipend for travel than NTRA Qualify - $400 to $250. Travel expense was fully covered by B & Ms before the escalation of airfare prices. NTRA considered offering discount fares, instead of paying the $250, as promised.
The DRF and other media are trade publications that depend on advertising revenue from tracks. Never expect an expose' of wrongdoing by track management or the NTRA. I assume that DRF does not benefit from the "hold" and is a co-sponsor to market their products.
