St. Louis icon and multi-platinum recording artist Nelly has taken a significant ownership stake in a National Thoroughbred League franchise. He is relocating the team from Seattle and rebranding it as the St. Louis Nellies, reinvigorating the historic sport in his hometown.
“Nelly was an early investor in the National Thoroughbred League,” co‑founder Randall Lane noted. “His expanded ownership role is a testament to the momentum and success we’ve built so far.”
A Homecoming with Horses
The newly minted Nellies will base their operation at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, Illinois. The track, just a short trip across the river from St. Louis, is currently undergoing a $100 million renovation.
Lane highlighted the region’s vibrant sports culture:
“You look at the Cardinals, St. Louis supports its teams and falls in love with its teams… Fairmount Park is 100 years old. It’s really historical.”
With Nelly in the mix, the move brings fresh energy. “We wouldn’t have done this without Nelly spearheading it,” Lane said. “Having local ownership… speaks to the fact that we’re creating a team that speaks to St. Louis itself.”
Beyond the Track: Music, Fashion and Community
To celebrate his new investment, Nelly will host the inaugural NTL Nelly Cup on July 19. The event promises a full day of horse racing, live music, fashion, and community connection.
A Tribe Called Quest’s Jarobi White, also an NTL investor, will headline the music. He praised the league’s innovative approach:
“I thought it was a brilliant idea to take one of the oldest sports and give it a new spin… making the sport more accessible, so everyone from kings to commoners can enjoy.”
White added appreciation for Nelly’s local influence:
“I’m excited to be involved with somebody with the star power that Nelly has. I love St. Louis… they should expect a great time, great music and a whole lot of fun.”
Racing Toward a New Era
The NTL is the first-ever team‑based professional horse racing league. It aims to foster rivalries, fan loyalty, and weekend lifestyle experiences. Lane emphasized the league’s potential:
“If we can bring new fans in… we’re doing something great for the sport, while… creating something very valuable for investors and fans.”
With Nelly’s elevated role, the Nellies are poised to energize horse racing in the Midwest. Music, fashion, history and competition are set to converge in St. Louis. On July 19, the inaugural Nelly Cup will mark the beginning of this ambitious new chapter.