The National Thoroughbred League (NTL) continued its record-breaking 2025 campaign with Sunday’s Philadelphia Cup at Parx Racing, drawing more than 6,000 fans, an NTL record, and generating a $1.55 daily million handle—a 65% increase over last year’s Father’s Day card at Parx.

The event, hosted by the Philadelphia Stallions, co-owned by local icon Julius “Dr. J” Erving, demonstrates the what’s the “NTL Effect”—a measurable and unbroken surge in attendance, engagement, and betting whenever the league rolls into town.

“The mission of the NTL has always been to turn horse racing into a major-league, fan-focused team sport,” said Randall Lane, co-founder of the National Thoroughbred League. “The fact that 6,000 people came out on a cold, rainy day demonstrates the power and resiliency of this concept.”

The California Shamrocks won the Philadelphia Cup in a nail-biter, courtesy of a surge in the final race, with the top four teams finishing within 2 points of each other. The New York Knights remain in first place overall at the midpoint of the league’s third season.

Numerous celebrities attended the weekend festivities, including Erving, Philadelphia Eagles legends Seth Joyner and Hollis Thomas, Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos and Jarobi White, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member of A Tribe Called Quest. The event featured multiple musical acts, a dedicated VIP section, celebrity meet-and-greets and special activities for families, including pony rides.

The NTL now sets its sights on the next stop: St. Louis on July 19, as the league seeks to continue its “NTL Effect” streak of larger crowds and surges in wagering.

For more information on the NTL and upcoming events, visit www.NTL.Racing.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250617288444/en/