Tim Smith’s departure as commissioner and CEO had been expected after publicly linking himself with the position of president and CEO of the New York Racing Association.
However, Smith has yet to be offered the NYRA post and says he does not expect to hear a final decision until next month.
In the meantime, however, he will step down from the NTRA as of September 1.
Smith has been with the NTRA since April 1998.
A familiar face in the business of sport, Smith, a trained lawyer, served as deputy commissioner and COO of the PGA Tour in the Eighties. As a consultant, he prepared the initial marketing and television plans for the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.
Said Smith: “The NTRA has come a long way since 1998, thanks to the collaboration and persistence of many different entities and individuals.
“I am grateful to all of them, and confident that, with sustained support for a true national office, still more progress for the industry lies ahead."
NTRA vice chairman and Breeders' Cup, Ltd president D.G. Van Clief, Jr., was named acting commissioner and CEO. Its board also promoted deputy commissioner and COO Greg Avioli to president/COO of the NTRA.
NTRA chiefs say it will begin a search for a permanent replacement later this year.
Meanwhile, the NTRA has confirmed CITGO Petroleum Corporation has signed a five-year sponsorship and advertising deal.
Running from 2005 to 2009, the agreement will see the company become one of the league’s official sponsors.
