ST. LOUIS 鈥 After purchasing significant ownership in a National Thoroughbred League team, rapper Nelly is bringing the horse racing team to 最新杏吧原创.
The NTL is the first team-based professional horse racing organization in the U.S. The team, which was previously based in Seattle, has been renamed the 最新杏吧原创 Nellies. The new name honors its multi-diamond-selling new owner and is a nod at the popular horse-related phrase 鈥渨hoa, Nellie.鈥
In addition to the team move, the rapper also announced the first Nelly Cup on July 19 at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, Illinois. The Grammy Award-winning rapper and 最新杏吧原创 native will host the event, which will feature competitive racing and a music performance from Rock and Rock Hall of Fame inductee and A Tribe Called Quest member, Jarobi White.
Nelly joins a handful of celebrities backing the NTL. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, basketball player Julius Ewing and rapper Rick Ross also own league teams.
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The 鈥淐ountry Grammar鈥 star is excited to share this new endeavor with his hometown.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited to be part of bringing a new professional sports team to the city that means so much to me,鈥 Nelly said in an email. 鈥淭he cup is set to be one of the summer's premier events, and I can't wait to hit the track and celebrate with our incredible 最新杏吧原创 fans.鈥
NTL co-founder Randall Lane said Nelly has supported the league since its inception. Lane and Robert Daugherty co-founded the league in 2023, announcing teams in six markets and aiming to build local fan bases.
鈥淥ur mission is rooted in creating authentic connections and fan bases in every city we鈥檙e in, which is why each team鈥檚 ownership group includes individuals who have strong, personal ties to their local communities,鈥 Lane said.
The NTL has grown to include 11 teams, with the 最新杏吧原创 Nellies鈥 arrival coinciding with the centennial of Fairmount Park. The organization intends to make horse racing an experiential, must-attend event in the area, like the Kentucky Derby or Formula 1.
In addition to White鈥檚 performance, guests can enjoy free entry, food and drinks, a Nelly-inspired fashion show and a trophy presentation.
