We will convene in the press conference room adjacent to the main press box. Those on-site can attend in person, and Zoom will be offered for those off-site.

This spring, we have three two-year director terms expiring – those for Steve Byk, Scott Hazelton, and Tom Law. Tom completed my term when I succeeded him as NTWAB President. If you are interested in serving, please let me or any officer/director know. Some directors may choose to run or not run for re-election.

That business aside, here are some brief updates:

To promote transparency, National Turf Writers and Broadcasters discloses how its members voted for the top spot in each of the Eclipse Award categories in the attached chart,

     *With regard to the Eclipse Awards, the NTWAB is working with our Eclipse partners to ensure that 2024’s statistical errors do not reoccur. Accurate statistical data and up-to-date past performances are a must. On a related topic, following our urging to the Eclipse Award Steering Committee – on which Vice President Nathan Campbell and I serve with Daily Racing Form and National Thoroughbred Racing Association representatives– this year, statistics will include stakes wins and graded stakes wins for apprentice jockeys.

     *Vice President Nathan Campbell and directors Nicole Russo and Carlos Morales are leading the NTWAB’s efforts in a NTWAB subcommittee to modernize and fine-tune the rules of the media Eclipse Awards, desiring fairness in rewarding outstanding journalism. Nathan and I will continue to advocate for the NTWAB before the Eclipse Award Steering Committee.

     *The Breeders’ Cup returns to Del Mar this fall on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Those seeking lower-cost lodging than the media hotel (but without amenities such as media shuttle service) may wish to consider the Sorrento Valley area (about 15 minutes away) for several affordable options.

     *Finally, congratulations to two of our members, Mary Rampellini and Jay Hovdey, who recently had books published. Rampellini authored the children’s book "Ollie the Oaklawn Owl: Whoooo's That Jockey?" and Hovdey’s latest is “Well Armed: A Thoroughbred of Destiny.”

A specific agenda for the Derby Week meeting will be sent before the April 30 meeting, when we will be conducting our membership review, new member applications, follow-up from the 2024 Eclipse Awards, Triple Crown logistics and other topics. If you have a topic you feel should be added to the agenda, please pass that along to NTWAB Secretary Jennifer Kelly at thesirbarton@gmail.com.

If you know anyone interested or have someone in your organization that you feel qualifies for membership, please have them write a letter applying and send two letters of recommendation to Jennifer at thesirbarton@gmail.com. That deadline is April 23.

All the best,

Byron King
NTWAB President
March 8, 2025