Under two new partnership agreements, Sky Sports Racing has acquired exclusive UK and Ireland broadcast rights for all races from Woodbine, Saratoga, Aqueduct and Belmont Park Racecourses, it was announced today.
Belmont Stakes Day races are already contracted to Sky Sports Racing for exclusive broadcast in the UK by rights holder NBC Universal.
Sky says it’ll bring TV viewers “high-quality HD signals” from each track with fans also getting comprehensive digital and social media coverage in collaboration with attheraces.com and the racecourses.
Matthew Imi, At The Races Chief Executive, 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 at NYRA, 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: “We are excited to partner with Sky Sports to further promote our world-class Thoroughbred horse racing at Woodbine Racetrack.
“With the opening of our second turf course earlier this summer and our renowned E.P. 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.”
