SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Demonstrating its commitment to North American racing, Sky Sports Racing has secured two multi-year partnerships with New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Woodbine Entertainment Group.
The two new agreements will see the broadcaster acquire the exclusive UK and Ireland broadcast rights for all races from Woodbine, Saratoga, Aqueduct and Belmont Park Racecourses
Matthew Imi, Chief Executive of At The Races, commented: “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.”
Under the terms of the partnerships, Sky Sports Racing will deliver HD coverage from each track into its nightly, studio-hosted US racing broadcasts. Attheraces.com will also work alongside each of the racecourses to drive extensive digital and social media coverage for race fans.
Tony Allevato, Chief Revenue Officer of NYRA, added: “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 of Woodbine Entertainment, concluded: “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.”
