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Edited Press Release

The New York Knights seek a repeat victory in Maryland as the National Thoroughbred League (NTL) kicks off its 2026 season at Laurel Park on Saturday afternoon.

Now in its fourth season, the NTL is a first-of-its-kind racing league that reimagines America's oldest spectator sport in a team-based professional format. By prioritizing industry participation, equine safety, and consistent, high-level competition, NTL gives fans the opportunity to follow and support celebrated horses and jockeys month after month and year after year.

Beyond the track, NTL delivers a modern lifestyle experience, curating weekends of food, fashion, and entertainment inspired by the sport's most iconic celebrations.

Saturday's racing kicks off a six-event national season in which teams compete across the country for a league championship. Saturday's three NTL races (races 5-7) offer a combined purse of $98,000. All 10 teams entered at least two horses in each race.

Race 5, The Charm City Cup, drew 10 horses at one mile on the main track. Race 6, The Golden Horseshoe Classic, features a 10-horse going one mile on the turf. Race 7 is the Baltimore Blitz, a $56,000 allowance race at 1 1/16 miles on dirt.

Teams earn points based on their horse's finishing position in each race, with greater emphasis on the final race and bonus points for overall performance.

The NTL activities begin Friday evening between 7 and 10 p.m. with the NTL VIP Kickoff Party at the Horse You Came In On Saloon. On Saturday, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, owner of the Maryland Colts team franchise, will host the NTL races at Laurel Park.

“There's no better way to open a season than bringing the NTL back to Maryland with Lamar Jackson,” said Mike Monroe, CEO of the National Thoroughbred League.

For ticket information, please visit here.

The post NTL Kicks Off 2026 Season On Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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