The National Thoroughbred League kicks off with horses walking down the runway.
The NFL and NHL, The National Football and Hockey Leagues, are known widely. Now, a new national league is in its inception. This exhibition that took place at Hudson Yards unveiled the names and logos of the various teams. Under President Tom Ludt, the National Thoroughbred League looks to have a promising future as a spectator sport.
During the event, horses walked the catwalk representing each of the teams that were revealed. The horses were wearing multiple types of clothing, from masks, to loose “loungewear,” to full wraparound outfits.
According to speaker Billy Rapaport, the league is about more than just horse racing. It is about building fan loyalty. The fan experience is the core of the league, as in addition to racing, there will be concerts, music, fashion, and fun in weekend-long festival events. Additionally, the NTL is committed to taking steps to ensure horse health and safety.
In attendance were winning Belmont Stakes trainer and the first-ever female Triple Crown winner Jena Antonucci, as well as New York Giants player Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux is a co-owner of the NTL’s New York team, the New York Knights. Other teams include the Philadelphia Stallions, New Jersey Royals, California Shamrocks, Seattle Gems, and the Nashville Dreams.
