Two new partnership agreements announced today have seen Sky Sports Racing acquire exclusive UK and Ireland broadcast rights for all races from Woodbine, Saratoga, Aqueduct and Belmont Park Racecourses.
Belmont Stakes Day races are already contracted to Sky Sports Racing for exclusive broadcast in the UK by rights holder NBC Universal.
Sky Sports Racing will bring high-quality HD signals from each track into its nightly, studio-hosted US racing broadcasts, while a close collaboration between attheraces.com and the racecourses will drive comprehensive digital and social media coverage for race fans.
In 2018, NYRA hosted 219 fixtures at its three tracks including over 100 Graded races and has recently completed its inaugural Turf Triple Series worth over $5m. The Series has already proved popular amongst British and Irish trainers. The Turf Trinity series culminated in the $1m Jockey Club Derby, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf and was won by David Simcock trained Spanish Mission.
Woodbine is Canada’s most prestigious racecourse and host to The Queen’s Plate, the longest, continually run Stakes race in North America as well as 36 Graded races including the Woodbine Mile and Canadian International.
Matthew Imi, Chief Executive, At The Races said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with two racing organisations as forward thinking and respected as NYRA and Woodbine. Their venues host high quality racing and their East coast locations are increasingly attracting British and Irish trained horses. This complements our offering of the world’s best international racing, and we’re excited about promoting and showcasing NYRA and Woodbine racing in the UK and Ireland.”
Tony Allevato, Chief Revenue Officer, NYRA, believes the deal will be good for both fans and the sport. He said: “Partnering with Sky Sports will expand the reach of NYRA’s acclaimed television simulcast program and provide viewers in the UK with high quality daily coverage of Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.
“To be featured prominently on Sky Sports Racing and its digital At The Races channels will benefit New York’s horsemen and grow the sport.”
Jim Lawson, Chief Executive, Woodbine Entertainment said: “With the opening of our second turf course earlier this summer and our renowned EP Taylor course, we have carded more turf races than ever before which we believe will resonate well with the Sky Sports audience in the UK and Ireland.
“This partnership will also provide further exposure to our major racing events highlighted by the Queen’s Plate, the Ricoh Woodbine Mile and the Pattison Canadian International.”
