In what is being called the most expansive TV programming agreement in racing history, FOX Sports will televise over 500 hours of NYRA racing during 2019, including coverage of nearly every live program from Belmont Park and Saratoga, the network and officials from the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced Thursday. The agreement builds on the already-existing deal between the two entities that resulted in more than 100 hours of live coverage of NYRA racing in 2018. The broadcast schedule will increase to better than 600 hours in 2020.
“This is a transformative agreement between NYRA and FOX Sports that will dramatically expand national television coverage of the best thoroughbred racing in the country,” said NYRA President and CEO Chris Kay. “With increased competition for wagering dollars, we recognize the importance of capturing the attention of sports fans and bettors using high-quality television production to provide the best coverage and racing analysis available anywhere today, which is something our television department has been providing for the last two years.”
The FOX/NYRA programming will be presented by America's Best Racing, created in 2012 to develop new fans by increasing the profile and visibility of North America's top thoroughbred racing events.
The shows will be produced by NYRA and will be hosted by FOX Sports' Greg Wolf, with handicapping insights and other commentary from NYRA's Andy Serling and Maggie Wolfendale as well as trainer Tom Amoss and Paul LoDuca. The voice of NYRA and the Triple Crown, Larry Collmus will deliver the majority of the race calls.
“The goal of the 'Live' broadcasts is to educate and entertain the viewer through in-depth racing analysis paired with compelling storytelling,” said Tony Allevato, President of NYRA Bets & Executive Producer for NYRA TV. “The expansion of FOX's horse racing programming, and its appeal to seasoned horseplayers and newcomers alike, is a positive for all aspects of the industry and we thank FOX Sports for their commitment to our sport.”
Added Michael Mulvihill, executive vice president of league operations, research and strategy for FOX Sports, “NYRA has been a terrific partner and we are looking forward to presenting more horse racing on a national stage than ever before. With this commitment, FOX Sports has taken the lead in developing content in the fast-growing area of sports gaming by expanding our relationship with the most prestigious name in horse racing, the New York Racing Association.”
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