HbaRacing

SPOTV EXPANDS PREMIUM LIVE SPORT LINEUP WITH INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACING

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:30:02 GMT

SPOTV EXPANDS PREMIUM LIVE SPORT LINEUP WITH INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACING

Tuesday, 14th April 2026 - SPOTV has secured rights to HBA Media’s package of international horse racing, further strengthening its premium live sport offering across Asia with one of the most prestigious annual calendars in the sport.

Under the agreement, SPOTV will bring the series to fans across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Mongolia, and Taiwan on its pay-TV channels and SPOTV NOW through the end of 2027.

The extensive package features 20 of the world’s leading races across the calendar year, giving audiences access to some of the sport’s most iconic events and destinations. The package includes globally recognised races such as The Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup, Grand National, Royal Ascot, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Breeders’ Cup Classic, Melbourne Cup and Hong Kong Cup.

The acquisition marks another important addition to SPOTV’s growing multi-sport portfolio and reflects the broadcaster’s continued investment in world-class live content for fans across the region. With coverage across both linear and digital platforms, SPOTV will offer horse racing audiences greater access to elite international competition throughout the year.

The series has grown into a premium international racing property, packaging 20 top-tier races through a media rights collaboration led by HBA Media and offering fans, broadcasters and sponsors year-round access to world-class thoroughbred racing. The Saudi Cup, in particular, has rapidly established itself as one of the standout events on the global calendar through its partnership with HBA.

Charlotte Burr, CEO International Business of SPOTV, said: “We are delighted to bring this elite international racing series to SPOTV’s audiences across Asia. This is a premium collection of some of the most prestigious races in the sport, and it reflects our continued focus on acquiring world-class live content that resonates with fans across the region. With year-round coverage across our linear channels and SPOTV NOW, we are excited to give audiences greater access to the drama, heritage, and global appeal of top-level horse racing.”

Frank Sale, CEO of HBA Media, added: “HBA Media is thrilled to welcome SPOTV as a first-time broadcaster of our premium international racing series. Southeast Asia has, and always will be, a valued market and we are delighted to be showcasing the best of the sport to an avid and engaged audience through this partnership, one that we hope to endure for many years to

come.”

Coverage will be available on SPOTV’s pay-TV channels and via SPOTV NOW, bringing fans closer to some of horse racing’s most celebrated events, stories, and stars. Follow @spotvasia across social media and visit spotvnow.com for further information on event timing.

ENDS

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL TO BE BROADCAST IN MORE THAN 130 COUNTRIES AS 30 GLOBAL PARTNERS SIGN ON

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:14:52 GMT

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL TO BE BROADCAST IN MORE THAN 130 COUNTRIES AS 30 GLOBAL PARTNERS SIGN ON

Wednesday, 8th April 2026 - The Randox Grand National at Aintree Racecourse will once again command a truly global stage on Saturday 11th April, with 30 broadcasters showcasing live coverage of the world’s most famous Jumps race to more than 130 countries.

Working in partnership with The Jockey Club, Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media (HBA) have secured an extensive line-up of international broadcast partners for the 178th running of the race. A field of 34 runners and riders will take on Aintree’s 30 iconic fences over four-and-a-quarter miles, with millions of viewers expected to tune in worldwide.

Leading broadcasters such as ESPN and Disney+ (Latin America and the Caribbean), FanDuel (US), Viaplay and Setanta (Europe) will carry the race, while Fox Sports will feature highlights on its US network. There has been notable new interest in South-East Asia, with SPOTV (serving 14 territories in the region) and TVRI (Indonesia) broadcasting the race for the first time.

The Randox Grand National will also be available on selected airlines and cruise lines via the Sport 24 network, ensuring fans can follow the action live from the air or at sea, while British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS) will broadcast the programme live for those serving abroad. CNN will cover the event for its flagship World Sport programme, reaching more than 320 million households.

Dickon White, The Jockey Club's North West Regional Director, said: “The Randox Grand National continues to captivate audiences around the world, and we are delighted that viewers in more than 130 countries will be able to enjoy this year’s race.

"The breadth and quality of our broadcast partners reflects the enduring global appeal of this iconic event. We are grateful to RMG and HBA Media for their work in extending the reach of the race, and we look forward to showcasing another unforgettable renewal to millions of fans worldwide.”

Broadcasters can choose from the four-hour World Feed, the Track Feed (allowing insertion of their own presentation), or the Crown Jewels Racing feed – a special one-hour programme.

RMG’s own channel, Racing TV, will also broadcast the race to 11,000 pubs and clubs across the UK and Ireland. Radio listeners will enjoy extensive live coverage in the UK via BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT 1 and 2.

Broadcast Partners:

Asia & Australia: Green Channel* (Japan); Charlton (Israel); WeDo Asia (South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Israel, India); SPOTV (14 territories in South East Asia); TVRI (Indonesia); Sky Thoroughbred Central, Sky Racing 1 & 2, Racing.com, Trackside (Australasia)

Africa & Middle East: Dubai Racing Channel (MENA); Racing 240, Gallop (Africa)

Americas & Caribbean: Fox Sports*, FanDuel (US); HPI TV, Sportsnet (Canada); ESPN, Disney+ (South America & Caribbean)

Europe: Viaplay (Pan Europe); Equidia online (France); EQUTV (Italy); Polsat (Poland); ITV, Racing TV (UK & Ireland); Setanta (Eurasia & Baltics); SilkNet (Georgia); D Smart (Turkey); Virgin Media (Ireland); WeDo TV (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)

Global, News & Magazine Programming: Sport 24 (airlines & cruise ships); CNN International*; Reuters*; BFBS

ENDS

THE WORLD IS WATCHING – DUBAI WORLD CUP TO BE TELEVISED LIVE BY A RECORD 40 BROADCASTERS

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:44:30 GMT

The world is watching – Dubai World Cup to be televised live by a record 40 broadcasters

Thursday, 26 ^th March 2026 - The landmark 30 ^th running of the US$30.5million Dubai World Cup fixture at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, March 28 will be televised live by a record 40 broadcasters to audiences in more than 150 countries.

The truly international fixture has attracted some of the world’s best horses, including the top of the list on official rankings – the French-trained Calandagan, who ended last year winning the Japan Cup.

The darling of Japan racing, Forever Young, last seen winning the Saudi Cup, will headline the US$12m Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline. Other big names to look out for are Breeders’ Cup (US) winner, the Irish-trained Ethical Diamond, and Ombudsman, winner of the International Stakes at York, UK.

Dubai Racing Club, working with its appointed distribution and production company, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and RMG’s agency HBA Media, have ensured a truly worldwide TV audience, as befitting the global status of the event.

RMG, in conjunction with Timeline TV, is providing all broadcast services for Dubai Racing Club, including the World Feed programme, anchored by Nick Luck in Dubai and Rishi Persad from the UK-based studio.

Major broadcasters include ITV (biggest commercial broadcaster in UK), Fox Sports (US), ESPN and Disney+ (Latin America and Caribbean), Viaplay and Setanta Sports (Europe). The region will be served by Dubai Racing Channel and Yas TV (Abu Dhabi), who will both be on-site at Meydan, while the South-East Asian audience will enjoy coverage via Green Channel, Abema TV, and NetKeiba (Japan) and HKJC TV, Cable TV, Now TV and TVB (Hong Kong).

His Excellency, Mr Ali Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Racing Club, said: “The 30th running of the Dubai World Cup is a milestone for Dubai and for international racing. To see the event carried live by a record number of broadcasters is a testament to its global stature and the exceptional quality of the horses it attracts. Our collaboration with RMG and HBA means we will share this great sporting occasion with millions of viewers around the world and to showcase the very best of Dubai on one of racing’s most important nights.”

Seb Vance, Director of International TV Distribution at RMG, said: “Working with His Excellency Mr Ali Al Ali and his talented team at Dubai Racing Club, RMG and HBA Media are delighted to deliver the widest international distribution in the event’s 30-year history. The Dubai World Cup continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and the commitment shown by broadcasters across so many regions underlines its status as one of racing’s premier global fixtures.”

Sport 24 will make the broadcast available to selected cruise-lines and airlines, including title sponsor, Emirates Airline, for those in the skies and on the seas. CNN Worldwide, which reaches 321 million households, is covering the race for its World Sport programme and Reuters will distribute highlights to news outlets.

Broadcasters have the choice of taking the World Feed, Track Feed (which allows broadcasters to insert their own presentation) and a 90-minute feed which features the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic.

Broadcasters covering the Dubai World Cup fixture include:

Asia and Australia : Green Channel, Abema, Netkeiba, (Japan); TVB, Cable TV, Now TV, HKJC TV (Hong Kong); STC TV (Singapore); SPOTV, WeDo Asia (South East Asia); TVRI (Indonesia); Sky Thoroughbred Central, Trackside (Australasia).

Africa and Middle East : Dubai Racing Channel, Yas TV (MENA); Racing 240, Sporty TV, Gallop TV (Africa).

Americas and Caribbean : Fox Sports, Fanduel, NYRA, (US); Sportsnet, HPITV (Canada); ESPN, Disney+ (South America and Caribbean).

Europe : Viaplay (pan Europe); Equidia (France); EquTV (Italy); Match TV (Russia); Polsat (Poland); ITV, Sky Sports Racing, Racing TV (UK, Republic of Ireland); Setanta (Eurasia and Baltics); SilkNet (Georgia); D-Smart, TJK (Turkey); Virgin Media (Republic of Ireland); and WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

Global, News and Magazine programming : Sport 24 (planes and ships); CNN International; Reuters.

ENDS

GLOBAL INTEREST AT RECORD LEVEL FOR 2026 SAUDI CUP AS FOREVER YOUNG RETAINS HIS CROWN

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:29:53 GMT

Global interest at record level for 2026 Saudi Cup as Forever Young retains his crown

Wednesday, 18 ^th February 2026 – Global interest in The Saudi Cup reached record levels this year, as a multi-million-strong international audience tuned in on Saturday, 14 ^th February to watch the Japanese-trained Forever Young triumph in the seventh running of the world’s richest horse race. HBA Media managed all broadcast elements of The Saudi Cup, delivering an enhanced viewing experience across all markets.

Domestic coverage was handled for the first time by DAZN, the world’s leading sports streaming and entertainment platform, aligning with its strategic expansion across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. There were also sublicensing agreements in place with MB’s OTT platform, Shahid, as well as live linear broadcast on Saudi TV.

The host broadcast and on-course programming were led by Ye-Ha Productions, fronted by BAFTA-winning director Denise Large.

The principal broadcast package, a 90-minute programme designed for the global audience and mainstream networks, was presented by Nick Luck, Michelle Yu, Tom Stanley, Oli Bell and Laffit Pincay III, with Frankie Foster and Ella McNeill also making their Saudi Cup debuts. The format showcased the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap before building towards the headline G1 $20 million Saudi Cup and was supported by a powerful technical footprint of more than 50 cameras. Innovations included two WireCams - one on the inside of the track forming the longest wire span ever deployed - an ultra-motion camera on the finish line, multiple radio high-motion systems and the immersive jockey-cam.

International reach surged, with coverage distributed across 35 global media outlets into 200+ territories, notably:

FOX Sports 1, who strengthened their commitment to elite horse racing with a dedicated hour-long broadcast window for The Saudi Cup.

RacingTV, Sky Sports Racing and Virgin Media , the primary outlets across the United Kingdom & Ireland.

Green Channel, Abema TV and Netkeiba, providing exceptional coverage across Japan, owing to the attendance of 17 regional runners across the meeting.

The full list of Saudi Cup broadcasters include:

THE AMERICAS: FOX Sports (USA), FanDuel (USA), ESPN/Disney+ (LATAM, Caribbean), Sportsnet (Canada).

EUROPE: Racing TV (UK & Ireland), Sky Sports Racing (UK & Ireland), Virgin Media (Ireland), Rai (Italy), EQUTV (Italy), Polsat (Poland), Equidia (France), Viaplay (Netherlands, Scandinavia), Silknet (Georgia), CYTA (Cyprus), Setanta (Balkans/Eurasia), WeDo Sports (DACH), D-Smart (Turkey) and DAZN (Pan-Regional).

ASIA PACIFIC: Abema TV (Japan), Netkeiba (Japan), Green Channel (Japan), TVRI (Indonesia), SPOTV (Southeast Asia), WeDo Asia (South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia) and HKJC (Hong Kong).

AFRICA: DAZN (Pan-Regional).

AUSTRALASIA: Sky Thoroughbred (Australia).

MENA: DAZN (MENA), Saudi TV (KSA), Shahid (KSA) and MBC (KSA).

GLOBAL: SIS (Global), Sport24 (Airlines & Cruise Ships) and Reuters (Global News).

Chris Bevan, Chief Commercial Officer for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said: “The seventh renewal of The Saudi Cup weekend reinforced the meeting’s position as a truly global celebration of top-quality racing with 85 international runners from 13 countries featuring. We are delighted to see that The Saudi Cup remains an attractive product for global viewers who enjoyed Forever Young’s historic consecutive victory in the feature race.”

Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said: “It’s a privilege to collaborate with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and witness the remarkable growth and enthusiasm for horse racing in The Kingdom, as well as the global momentum in the broadcast landscape behind their headline event.

“HRH Prince Bandar bin Khaled Alfaisal’s vision for the raceday has been inspirational, and the world really was watching with early viewing figures suggesting a significant increase in audience.

“As always, HBA was on on-site for the duration of the meeting, and we look forward to continuing our support for this prestigious sporting spectacle.”

Denise Large, Executive Producer and Director for Ye-Ha Production, said: “The Saudi Cup isn’t just raising the bar for horse racing — it’s redefining it. Being entrusted with expanded global broadcast responsibilities this year was both a tremendous honour and a bold challenge we were proud to embrace. The atmosphere is electric, the racing is world-class, and the scale of production rivals that of our Olympic equestrian coverage.

“Leading such an exceptional team and delivering a powerful, refreshed broadcast experience to millions of viewers worldwide has been truly exhilarating.”

ENDS

PEGASUS WORLD CUP CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF REDEFINING GLOBAL HORSE RACING

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:06:47 GMT

Pegasus World Cup celebrates 10 years of redefining global horse racing

HBA’s premium international racing series kickstarts the year with a 90-minute show presented by Francesca Cumani.

Thursday, 22nd January 2026 - This weekend the Pegasus World Cup (Saturday, 24 ^th January) marks a historic milestone as it celebrates its 10 ^th anniversary, cementing its reputation as one of the most entertaining and transformative events in international horse racing. Since its inception, the Pegasus World Cup has pushed the boundaries of the sport - fusing elite competition with world-class entertainment and attracting A-list celebrities, musical royalty, and global influencers to a raceday experience unlike any other.

This landmark 10-year celebration will be delivered to fans around the world through an expansive global broadcast footprint secured by HBA Media. Alongside host broadcaster NBC (USA), the Pegasus World Cup will reach millions of viewers across multiple continents.

Broadcasters can elect to take the world feed (produced by NBCU) or a dedicated 90 minute international programme (produced by Carr-Hughes Production and HBA Media) featuring the two principal races - the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) and the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) (Dirt) - integrating luxury lifestyle, fashion and entertainment features from horse racing’s most exclusive party. Renowned for her insightful work and style with ITV Racing and Australia's Network 10, presenter Francesca Cumani will host live coverage of the event, which will be broadcast in 140 territories.

List of global broadcasters:

Asia & Africa: FanCode (India); Netkeiba (Japan); TVRI (Indonesia), WeDo Asia; (Southeast Asia) and SuperSport (Africa).

Americas & Caribbean : Sportsnet (Canada); ESPN/Disney+ (LATAM and Caribbean).

Europe: Virgin Media (UK & Ireland); Polsat (Poland); Viaplay (Scandinavia & the Netherlands); Silknet (Georgia); D-Smart, (Turkey), WeDo TV (Germany, Switzerland, Austria) and Setanta (Eurasia & Baltics).

Global, News and Magazine programming: Anuvu (Global Cruise Ships); Sport 24 (Global Airlines) and Reuters (Global News Agency).

Aidan Butler, President at 1/ST, added:

“We are incredibly pleased to have now partnered with HBA for a decade. Their team has consistently helped bring our marquee events to a worldwide audience, elevating the visibility and impact of our racing portfolio year after year. We have full confidence in HBA’s first-class management of our global production and distribution, ensuring that 1/ST and our races continue to secure meaningful global recognition and a truly international footprint.”

Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“1/ST have redefined what modern horse racing can be. Over the past decade, their vision has successfully attracted not only domestic horse racing fans, but what is now an international TV fan base. Hollywood royalty such as Jennifer Lopez, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Mike Tyson, and Calvin Harris have all been broadcast to worldwide audiences as part of elite horse racing coverage. Their commitment to making racing more engaging and accessible through diverse, entertaining content has helped showcase the sport in an entirely new light, and we are proud to be such close partners.”

ENDS

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL TROPHY – THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:54:57 GMT

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL TROPHY – THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING

 Kingdom’s showpiece horserace to be shown by record 28 broadcasters in more than 125 countries

Racecourse Media Group and Bahrain Turf Club agree two-year renewal for TV services

Thursday, 13th November 2025 - TV audiences from all corners of the globe will enjoy coverage of the US$1m Bahrain International Trophy tomorrow (14 ^th November) with a record 28 broadcasters lined up to televise one of the showpiece horse races staged in the Middle East.

Eight horses are set to represent Britain, Ireland, France, UAE and Bahrain in the Kingdom’s most valuable race, won last year - for the second time - by Spirit Dancer, co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. The race is due off under the floodlights of the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club at 7.40pm local time (4.40m GMT).

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media (HBA), two of the world’s leading horseracing media rights companies, working with the Bahrain Turf Club, are distributing the TV coverage. Heavyweight broadcasters include Fox Sports in the US and ESPN/Disney+ in Latin America and the Caribbean, while ITV in the UK will show a recording.

Broadcasters include:

Americas: Fox Sports, Fanduel, RTN, NYRA (US); SportsNet, HPiTV (Canada); ESPN, Disney+ (Latin America, Caribbean).
Europe: D-Smart (Turkey); Equidia (France); Polsat (Poland); ITV*, Racing TV, Sky Sports Racing (UK, Republic of Ireland); Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia); Silknet (Georgia); Viaplay (Netherlands, Scandinavia); Virgin Media (Republic of Ireland); WeDo TV (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
Asia and Australasia: Netkeiba, Green Channel* (Japan); Sky Racing, Racing.com * (Australia); WeDo Asia (Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar).
Middle East and Africa: Bahrain TV, Dubai Racing Channel (MENA); 4Racing (Africa).
Global: Reuters* (News).

*recording / delay

Yusuf Buheji, CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club, said: “The Bahrain International Trophy has evolved into one of the key races of the international calendar, and this far-reaching TV audience reflects the global appeal of the race, which has attracted representatives from five countries. Thank you to our appointed media partner RMG, and its agency, HBA Media, for the excellent widespread TV coverage.”

RMG is also producing the live one-hour world feed programme (7pm to 8pm local). Its Director of Communications and International TV Distribution, Seb Vance, added: “RMG is once again delighted to be working with our valued partners and friends at the Bahrain Turf Club on both the production and distribution of their racing. The global interest in the Bahrain International Trophy has been very strong, as befitting such a world-class event, and we look forward to another wonderful renewal on November 14.”

The distribution services are part of a recently-agreed two-year contract between BTC and RMG, which also includes production and promotional services – to help further enhance the growth of one of the most exciting and emerging racing jurisdictions in the sport.

Mr Buheji added: “Racecourse Media Group first worked with the Bahrain Turf Club team in 2019, when the inaugural Bahrain International Trophy was staged, and the relationship has flourished since. RMG’s reputation in the Middle East goes before them, and we look forward to working closely together for the seasons ahead on all our media requirements.”

RMG will produce World Feed programmes for global broadcasters for the season ahead, including the US$1m Bahrain International Trophy (November 14), the US$1m Bahrain Turf Series (December 19 – March 5), and the prestigious Crown Prince’s Cup (January 30) and King’s Cup (March 6). RMG is offering exciting broadcast rights packages for those key fixtures.

ENDS

GLOBAL AUDIENCES SET FOR CLASSIC SHOWDOWN AS BREEDERS' CUP RETURNS TO DEL MAR

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 19:21:47 GMT

Global audiences set for classic showdown as Breeders’ Cup returns to Del Mar

Friday, 31st October 2025 - The much-anticipated Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to Del Mar on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, promising two days of world-class racing and unmissable drama.

This year’s renewal is set to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with star horses returning to defend their titles and chase further glory on racing’s biggest international stage.

The Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic will feature an electrifying line-up headlined by Sierra Leone, the defending champion, who is set to face off against a formidable field that includes Journalism (Santa Anita Derby and Preakness Stakes winner), Fierceness (2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up and 2025 Pacific Classic winner), and Japanese raider Forever Young (2025 Saudi Cup winner). This elite cast underscores the event’s unmatched global strength and prestige.

Global Broadcast Reach

The 2025 Breeders’ Cup will receive comprehensive worldwide coverage, with 29 broadcasters showcasing the championship across more than 180 territories, courtesy of HBA Media.

In the UK, fans can watch live on ITV4 , with Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV also providing full coverage of what promises to be a spectacular weekend of racing.

In the USA, host broadcaster NBC will feature the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic and Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (plus three other Group 1s) on its main channel, with full feed coverage from both days available across Peacock and USA Network. FanDuel TV will also show live continuous coverage of all Breeders’ Cup races over the two days.

Two notable new deals will see Abema TV (Japan) make their Breeders’ Cup debut, whilst Abu Dhabi Media (MENA) has returned to the table after a few years away, with both attending onsite.

HBA Media will deliver a bespoke CJR90-minute show as part of the global offering, presented by Michelle Yu and Frankie Foster, with US owner Jayson Werth making a special guest appearance.

Full coverage details

Americas: NBC, USA Network, Peacock, FanDuel TV (USA); Sportsnet (Canada); ESPN/Disney+ (LATAM & Caribbean).

Europe: ITV4, Racing TV, Sky Sports Racing (UK & Ireland); Virgin Media (Ireland); D-Smart (Turkey); Polsat (Poland); Silknet (Georgia); Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia); SportyTV (Czech Republic); Viaplay (Scandinavia, Netherlands); WeDo TV (Germany, Switzerland, Austria).

Middle East and Africa: Abu Dhabi Media, Dubai Racing Channel (MENA); SuperSport (Africa).

Asia: FanCode (India); Abema TV, Netkeiba (Japan), the Green Channel (Japan); WeDo Asia (Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar).

Australia: Racing.com.

Global: Reuters (News); Sport24 (Airlines); TransWorld Sports (Magazine Show).

Quotes

Justin McDonald, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Breeders’ Cup commented: “The Breeders’ Cup has always been defined by its global stature – bringing together the world’s best horses, jockeys, participants, and fans in one unforgettable celebration of sport. This year’s record distribution underscores the continued growth of our international audience and the strength of the Breeders’ Cup brand across continents. We’re grateful to HBA Media for their partnership and expertise in expanding our broadcast footprint, ensuring that the excitement and prestige of the Breeders’ Cup is shared with racing enthusiasts around the world."

Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said: “The Breeders’ Cup sits as the cornerstone of international racing, and we’re proud to help bring its stories, stars, and atmosphere to fans across the globe.

“With record commercial returns and distribution through HBA, this year’s broadcast reflects the truly global appeal of the event — live coverage in over 180 territories — ensuring that both racing and sport enthusiasts around the world can share in two days of world-class sport at its very best.”

ENDS

QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY AVAILABLE TO VIEW IN 170 TERRITORIES VIA 40 BROADCASTERS

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:50:39 GMT

QIPCO British Champions Day available to view in 170 territories via 40 broadcasters

Friday, 17th October 2025 - Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media (HBA), working with Ascot Racecourse, will make QIPCO British Champions Day available to view in 170 territories via 40 broadcasters

Fox Sports, Fanduel and Sportsnet will ensure the meeting enjoys excellent exposure in North America, while ESPN / Disney + in South America and Caribbean, and SuperSport in Africa, are other broadcast heavyweights taking the pictures.

The Middle East region will be well served by Dubai Racing Channel and Yas TV (Abu Dhabi), who are back after a four-year hiatus, covering the full meeting, while the Far East will enjoy coverage via Green Channel and Netkeiba (streaming service with 17m users) in Japan, and HKJC TV, Cable TV, TVB and Now TV in Hong Kong.

Audiences in India will be served by Fancode, India’s leading sports streaming platform, while Sky Racing Thoroughbred Central and Racing.com, and Viaplay, boast excellent reach across Australia and Europe respectively. ITV, Racing TV, Sky Sports Racing and Virgin Media will broadcast the live action in UK and Ireland.

ENDS

DAZN MENA NAMED OFFICIAL DOMESTIC BROADCASTER FOR THE JOCKEY CLUB OF SAUDI ARABIA

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:08:15 GMT

DAZN MENA named official domestic broadcaster for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia

Thursday, 16th October 2025 – DAZN MENA has been appointed the official domestic broadcaster for all horse racing events under the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, beginning this Thursday, 16 October, and spanning 50 race days across the 2025/26 season. The partnership marks a significant step in DAZN’s expansion strategy within Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.

This new agreement follows last month’s announcement that DAZN, the world’s leading sports streaming and entertainment platform, is pushing to expand its rights portfolio in the region. Under the deal, DAZN MENA will deliver comprehensive domestic coverage of Saudi Arabia’s racing calendar, including key race days such as the prestigious $20m Saudi Cup.

The deal was brokered by international horse racing media rights agency, HBA Media. Further details regarding the new partnership will be revealed in the coming months.

ENDS

GLOBAL INTEREST AT RECORD LEVEL FOR 2025 QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:20:02 GMT

Global interest at record level for 2025 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

UK viewership received a significant lift as the Arc returned to ITV1 with a 574,000 peak and a 5.1% share. Complemented by additional coverage by Sky Sports Racing and BBC Radio.
FOX Sports 1 reinforced their commitment to premium horse racing with an hour-long window dedicated to the Arc.
35 international media outlets including four first-time broadcasters: Netkeiba (Japan), D-Smart (Turkey), Sporty TV (Czech Republic) and FanCode (India).

Wednesday, 8th October 2025 – A multi million global audience tuned in to watch the French-trained Daryz claim victory in the 104th edition of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, October 5 ^th . The event’s worldwide reach was amplified by coverage across 35 international media outlets, reaffirming the immense appeal of Europe’s most prestigious horse race.

Spearheaded by HBA Media in collaboration with France Galop, the Arc’s international audience has tripled over the past four years.

The 2025 running at ParisLongchamp formed a flagship element of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast portfolio – a curated collection of 20 of the world’s most iconic races – and featured two major broadcast offerings designed to engage racing fans across continents.

CJR60 – a one-hour live magazine-style show presented by Tom Stanley and Frankie Foster, blending racing action, lifestyle features, and in-depth interviews, with race coverage provided by Equidia.
A five-hour enhanced World Feed, covering the Arc and a full supporting card that includes five Group 1 races.

For France, M6 were onsite for a bespoke broadcast around the €5,000,000 feature race, with Equidia supplementing domestic coverage .

UK viewership received a significant lift as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe made its return to ITV1 , attracting a peak audience of 574,000 and a 5.1% share. The dedicated broadcast averaged just under 400,000 viewers, with coverage led by Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani from Ascot and Oli Bell reporting live from ParisLongchamp.

 Sky Sports Racing also provided comprehensive live coverage of the full raceday, complemented by BBC Radio 5 Live’s extensive audio broadcast.

Other worldwide coverage included:

Europe:

o Virgin Media (Ireland); RAI (Italy); WeDo TV (Germany, Switzerland, Austria); Viaplay (Scandinavia & Netherlands); Silknet (Georgia); Polsat (Poland); Setanta (Balkans & Eurasia).

Americas:

o FOX Sports 1 (USA) owing to the dedicated ‘CJR60’ programme and FanDuel (USA) offered regional broadcast support.

o ESPN coverage reached over 50 territories across Latin America and the Caribbean.

o SportsNet catered for the Canadian audience.

Asia-Pacific:

o Debut coverage from Netkeiba in Japan, alongside AbemaTV , the Green Channel and Fuji TV ; reinforcing the nation’s enduring love affair with the Arc.

o Free-to-air broadcast in Australia via Racing.com.

Middle East & North Africa:

o Robust on-site presence and live broadcasts from beIN , Al Kass and Al Rayyan to service Qatar, with DMI (wider MENA region) who ensured immersive coverage for Arabic-speaking audiences.

o Koweit TV provided news report on Arc History.

o + LONACI / Côte d’Ivoire.

Global:

o Sport24 provided onboard entertainment for the Arc in the skies and across the seas.

o Reuters distributed content to global news outlets, while TransWorld Sport include the event in its monthly sports magazine show.

Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe’s standing among the world’s elite racing events had never been stronger. Securing broadcast coverage across 35 international channels, including four making their Arc debut, demonstrated the event’s exceptional global reach. HBA Media is proud to have delivered unparalleled exposure for one of the sport’s most iconic races.

“This continued growth underscored the success of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) portfolio and the strength of our partnership with France Galop.”

Laurent Dupont, Head of Marketing and commercial at France Galop, added:

“We are delighted by the Arc’s continued global expansion. This growing international exposure reflects the hard work of our team and our fruitful four-year collaboration with HBA Media.”

ENDS

HBA MEDIA AND HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER ENHANCED GLOBAL COVERAGE OF HONG KONG’S PREMIER RACES

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:27:12 GMT

HBA Media and Hong Kong Jockey Club Extend Partnership to Deliver Enhanced Global Coverage of Hong Kong’s Premier Races

Thursday, 11th September 2025 – HBA Media is proud to announce the extension of its media rights and representation agreement with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) through to 2028, further strengthening a strategic partnership that will continue to elevate the international profile of Hong Kong’s world-class racing.

As part of the renewed three-year agreement (2026–2028), HBA Media will continue to distribute FWD Champions Day and the iconic Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) in December, featuring the Hong Kong Sprint, Mile, Cup, and Vase.

For the first time, FWD Champions Day will be included in HBA’s Crown Jewels Racing series – uniting 20 premium races under one cohesive global broadcast package. For both marquee racedays, HBA Media will executive-produce dedicated CJR90 programmes, which are crucial for guaranteeing linear airtime on mainstream networks.

Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:
"We are thrilled to extend our collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and to continue delivering world-class coverage of their principal races. Over the previous term, HBA grew the HKJC’s presence on major sports networks to 20 broadcasters across the partnership and this new deal will ensure that Hong Kong Racing remains front and centre on the international stage."

Sam Nati, Head of Commingling of the Hong Kong Jockey Club , added:
"Our extended partnership with HBA Media will further amplify the reach and impact of our top-tier racedays. We look forward to continuing to grow the international appeal of both the Longines Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day through the Crown Jewels Racing series, in which the seven Group 1s have been part of the IFHA Top 100 race in the last three years. This exposure is an ideal vehicle to promote our World Pool races not just as a wagering brand but a key racing brand."

This renewed agreement marks a significant step in enhancing the global visibility and production value of Hong Kong’s leading racing fixtures.

ENDS

THE INTERNATIONAL: YORK EBOR FESTIVAL - RUNNERS AND RIDERS

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:07:07 GMT

THE JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES - RUNNERS AND RIDERS - CJRFANTASY

Monday, 18th August 2025 - Frankel, Sea The Stars, Baaeed, Authorized, Enable – these are just some of the famous names to have won the International Stakes down the years, York Racecourse’s grandest prize. Commonly referred to by it’s title sponsor as the Juddmonte International, it is one of Britain’s richest and most prestigious thoroughbred races, with a £1.25m purse on offer, and takes place on day one of York’s historic Ebor Festival.

In 2024, the International was officially crowned the best race in the world at the Longines World Racing Awards, marking the third time in a decade that it has achieved this status. This year’s renewal looks set to justify that tag, with Eclipse hero Delacroix the pick of the bunch. Danon Docile will be flying the flag for Japan as the overseas raider, and how will Ombudsman – the highest-rated runner in the field – fare against such high class opposition? Tune in at 15.35 BST on Wednesday to find out!

In order of XP:

Ombudsman (10 XP) – The highest rated horse in the race – so the one to beat. A strong and consistent performer with solid recent form, consistently in the top two. Proven at the top level and should be right in the mix if running to his best. One of the leading contenders

Danon Decile (20 XP) – A Japanese challenger bringing strong international form. Proven over similar distances and could spring a surprise if he adapts well to York. Needs a career-best run but cannot be underestimated.

Delacroix (30 XP) – A Group 1 winning 3-year old with heaps of potential, having beaten Ombudsman last time out in the prestigious Eclipse. Has already shown class against older rivals. If he continues improving, he could be a major threat here. The higher XP play helps against his rival.

See The Fire (40 XP) – Progressive type who has stepped up with every run. Tough and reliable, with top-class jockeyship on his side. Should be competitive and looks a lively contender for a top finish.

Daryz (40 XP) – French-trained and unbeaten so far, showing great potential. This is a big step up in class, but his unbeaten streak suggests he has plenty of ability. A fascinating runner who may be the XP pick!

Birr Castle (500 XP) – The veteran of the field, now 5 years old. Has ability but looks a notch below the very best here, and is put in as a pacemaker for Ombudsman. However, after the performance of Qirat in the Qatar Sussex Stakes – anything is possible!

Trends:

Age  – 7 of the last 12 winners were aged 4 or older, 5 of the last 12 winners were three-year-olds.
Last Run  – 8 of the last 12 winners won on their most recent run, 10 of the last 12 winners had their last run within 53 days.
Season Form  – All of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous runs that season.
Distance Form – 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run over 1m2f or 1m3f.
Course Form  – Only 3 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at York.
Rating  – 10 of the last 12 winners had a rating of 120 or higher.
Group 1 Wins  – 1 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous Group 1 win.

CJRF Tip:

1st – Danon Docile

2nd – Delacroix

3rd – Daryz

ENDS

GLOBAL TV AUDIENCES TO ENJOY QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY VISIT QATAR, VIA RECORD 39 BROADCASTERS

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:52:51 GMT

Global TV audiences to enjoy Qatar Goodwood Festival, presented by Visit Qatar, via record 39 broadcasters

Thursday, 24 ^th July 2025 – The Qatar Goodwood Festival, presented by Visit Qatar, has attracted record-breaking interest from around the world with 39 broadcasters set to showcase one of horseracing’s most iconic festivals.

The five-day fixture, affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, is a social and sporting occasion like no other, where some of the greatest stars in horse racing are crowned.

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media (HBA), working with Goodwood Racecourse, have secured the unprecedented coverage, which will be available to view in 170 countries.

The Middle East region will be particularly well served with Qatari broadcaster Al Kass, Dubai Racing Channel and Yas TV (Abu Dhabi), who are back after a four-year hiatus, covering the full meeting.

The Far East will enjoy coverage via Green Channel and Netkeiba (streaming service with 17m users) in Japan, and HKJC TV, Cable TV, TVB and Now TV in Hong Kong.

Broadcast crews from ITV and Racing TV (UK), Fanduel (US), Sky Racing (Australia), Al Kass (Qatar) and Yas (Abu Dhabi) will be on course to bring live coverage from the Sussex Downs, in the south of England.

Racecourse Director at Goodwood Racecourse, James Crespi, said: "We are delighted so many broadcasters from all corners of the world have committed to showing the Qatar Goodwood Festival, presented by Visit Qatar. The record exposure, secured by RMG and HBA Media, is testament to the international prominence the festival now holds, and we hope the broadcasters and their audiences enjoy what should be a fabulous week.”

Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes day is a feature of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 20 of the best horseracing events in the world, all evenly spaced throughout the year.

Broadcasters can elect to take the full three-hour world feed (produced by ITV) or the CJR90 (90-minute show produced by ITV and RMG) around the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes on Wednesday (2pm to 3.30pm BST).

ENDS

30 BROADCASTERS TO SHOWCASE ROYAL ASCOT IN 180+ TERRITORIES

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:29:15 GMT

30 broadcasters to showcase Royal Ascot in 180+ territories

· Five new broadcasters with NBC taking the enhanced World Feed for the first time.

· Ascot commission ‘The Royal Procession: Celebrating 200 Years’ documentary to celebrate 200 ^th Royal Procession and provide additional content for broadcasters.

Monday, 16 ^th June 2025 – Royal Ascot, scheduled from Tuesday 17th June to Saturday 21st June, will be broadcast in over 180 territories through 30 broadcasters, ensuring the event reaches audiences across every corner of the globe.

A jewel in the crown of international horse racing, it continues to attract significant broadcaster interest, with HBA Media delivering widespread coverage on behalf of Ascot Racecourse.

This year’s distribution includes five new broadcasters – Abu Dhabi Media (Yas TV) (MENA), Charlton (Israel), FanCode (India), WeDo Asia (Southeast Asia) and D-Smart (Turkey). Furthermore, NBC and Peacock will showcase the Royal Meeting across their linear and digital channels - exclusively taking the enhanced World Feed for the first time - coupled with an on-course presence later in the week with presenters Nick Luck and Britney Eurton.

Content packages available to broadcasters:

Daily five-hour coverage of ITV Racing’s World Feed , which includes the full 35-race card taking place across the Royal Meeting. The enhanced production, presented by Tom Stanley, Michelle Yu and Aly Vance, alongside former jockey Meg Nicholls and Irish specialist Jane Mangan, will provide broadcasters with uninterrupted coverage.

CJR90 – Designed with a worldwide audience in mind, the bespoke 90-minute live show will contain exclusive interviews, expert analysis, curated features and the very best of the action and lifestyle from Gold Cup Day (Thursday). The CJR talent will be joined by a new sporting recruit, former sprinter Harry Aikines, who in making his Royal Ascot debut will help capture the excitement, elegance and global appeal of the Royal Meeting.

The Royal Procession: Celebrating 200 Years – In celebration of the Royal Procession, Ascot has commissioned a 24-minute feature produced by Equine Productions. The short documentary will be offered as complimentary content to broadcasters, delivering highly sought-after factual programming that charts the history and heritage of the famed opening to the Royal Meeting.

Since 1825 this tradition has stood the test of time and through captivating visuals, first-hand experiences and expert commentary by Alice Loxton, the programme will trace the origins of this ceremonial journey from Windsor Castle to Ascot Racecourse showcasing its role in connecting the monarchy with the public and celebrating British culture at its finest.

Distribution:

ITV Racing will present their award-winning coverage live from Ascot Racecourse in daily five-hour programmes, with Sky Sports Racing and Virgin Media supplementing the UK and Irish audience offering.

In the US, NBC and Peacock will broadcast the entire Royal Meeting, with ESPN catering for Latin and South American fans. Broadcast giants, Rogers, will make the Royal Meeting freely available to a Canadian audience on SportsNet with Racing.com and Sky Racing catering for the Australian audience.

European coverage will be complemented by committed broadcasters RAI (Italy), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), Polsat (Poland), CYTA (Cyprus), WeDo Sport (Germany, Switzerland and Austria), Silknet (Georgia), D-Smart (Turkey) and Viaplay (Netherlands, Scandinavia). Equidia will be onsite, covering a host of hopeful contenders making the trip across the Channel. Eurovision Sport will continue to provide a broadcast window for Royal Ascot in 20 dark market territories through a partnership with EBU.

Elsewhere, an exclusive agreement with OTT streaming platform FanCode (India) – one of India’s biggest channels that goes into 160 million homes – ensures the event is accessible to a multi-million regional audience. While SuperSport has renewed its deal that sees Royal Ascot broadcast across 52 territories in sub-Saharan Africa.

Coverage in the Middle East includes DMI , Al Kass and Charlton , their footprint spanning 20 territories. Across Asia, the Green Channel and Netkeiba will service Japanese audience’s expectant of the nation’s first Royal winner . In addition, Abu Dhabi Media (Yas TV) (MENA) returns to racing after a four-year absence to broadcast the full World Feed every day, as part of a newly signed one-year deal featuring multiple international race events.

Globally, BBC HD Maritime will ensure full coverage of the Royal Meeting on Anuvu cruise ships, while Sport24 will make the CJR90 programme available on 10 airlines around the world. Magazine show TransWorld Sport will ensure the focus remains on Ascot even after the conclusion of its premier event.

Frank Sale, Chief Executive at HBA Media, said:

“Each year, we take immense pride in amplifying the global presence of Royal Ascot on behalf of Ascot Racecourse. The sustained strength of our international distribution reflects not only the prestige of the Royal Meeting but also the depth of our partnerships across the broadcast landscape. Through compelling programming such as CJR90 and The Royal Procession , we’re not just expanding the event’s global footprint — but focusing our attention on ensuring we resonate with audiences around the world with engaging programming.”

Johnathan Gregory, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascot Racecourse, added:

“ We’re incredibly proud of Royal Ascot and the enduring appeal it continues to hold for audiences around the world. None of this would be possible without the support and collaboration of our international broadcast partners, whose commitment plays such a vital role in showcasing the excitement, heritage and prestige of the Royal meeting. This year is particularly special as we mark the 200 ^th anniversary of the Royal Procession – a milestone we’re delighted to honour through a specially commissioned programme that brings this historic tradition to life for a global audience.”

ENDS

HBA MEDIA ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF RISING FLAT RACING STAR, SAFFIE OSBORNE

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:52:05 GMT

HBA Media announces sponsorship of rising flat racing star, Saffie Osborne

One-year agreement sees top UK jockey proudly don HBA Media branding

Friday, 14th June 2025 – HBA Media, the UK-based international media rights agency, is proud to announce a new one-year jockey sponsorship deal with one of the brightest talents in global flat racing, Saffie Osborne.

The partnership was unveiled last Saturday as Saffie made her debut in the Belmont Stakes, one of American racing’s most prestigious contests, sporting HBA Media-branded attire and marking the start of an exciting collaboration.

The sponsorship will see HBA Media’s branding featured on Osborne’s racing silks throughout the UK racing calendar, aligning the brand with one of the sport’s most dynamic and rapidly rising stars.

In the five years since leaving school, Saffie has carved out a name as a formidable competitor on the international stage. Her 2024 season included a historic double: becoming the first woman to ride a winner at Meydan - Dubai’s premier racecourse - and capturing a major victory in Qatar, within 24 hours. Most recently, she has represented British racing in the States, competing in the last two legs of the Triple Crown - the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

HBA Media is renowned for managing the international media rights to some of the world’s most prestigious racing events. These include exclusive distribution partnerships with Ascot Racecourse and Racecourse Media Group (RMG), encompassing top-tier events such as Royal Ascot, QIPCO British Champions Day, the Betfred Derby, and the Randox Grand National. The company also represents global icons such as the Pegasus World Cup, Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup Carnival, Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Melbourne Cup, Breeders’ Cup, and the Hong Kong International Races.

Saffie Osborne, said: “I am delighted to be sponsored by HBA Media. Here’s to an exciting season ahead.”

Frank Sale, CEO of HBA Media, added: “We are thrilled to be supporting Saffie Osborne, an exceptionally talented jockey whose determination and global ambitions mirror our own. To see the HBA Media brand represented by such a dynamic figure in racing is a proud moment for us. We look forward to following and supporting her journey both in Britain and on the world stage.”

Ends

RECORD NUMBERS OF BROADCASTERS TO SHOWCASE BETFRED DERBY TO THE WORLD

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:40:44 GMT

RECORD NUMBERS OF BROADCASTERS TO SHOWCASE BETFRED DERBY TO THE WORLD

Thursday 5th June - The appeal of the Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs has never been stronger – if the global TV interest in the world’s most famous Flat race is a guide.

A total of 41 broadcasters / agencies will showcase the 246 ^th running of the famous Classic, first staged in 1780, to 170 countries (off at 3.30pm BST / local).

Working with The Jockey Club, which owns and operates Epsom Downs Racecourse, Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media have secured a wide range of broadcasters from all corners of the globe.

TV audiences can watch via the likes of ESPN/Disney+ (LATAM and Caribbean), SuperSport (Africa), FanDuel (US), Viaplay and Setanta (Europe), while those showing the race for the first time include FanCode (160m users in India), Sportsnet (Canada), D-Smart (Turkey) and Charlton (Israel). FOX Sports will include highlights on its American network within its Belmont Stakes programme. The race can also be followed live in the skies and on the seas via the Sport 24 and Anuvu networks.

The fixture is an integral part of the World Pool schedule, ensuring widespread coverage in Hong Kong (via HKJC TV, Cable TV, Now TV, TVB), and The Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Lester Piggott, run at 5.15pm BST / local, is one of eight races to be simulcast to the World Pool audience.

CNN (c.350 million household reach) and TransWorld Sport (leading global sports magazine programme) will add to the reach, as will Reuters, who will distribute to news outlets around the world.

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “The ability to watch the world’s most famous Flat race on a screen can be traced back to 1896, when the Derby became the first horse race to be filmed, and was shown in cinemas after the event. Then in 1931, the Derby became the first horse race to be televised live.

“Nearly a century on, we now have over 40 broadcasters, ranging from mainstream TV channels to dedicated sports and horseracing channels, and from news organisations to TV magazine programme makers, all of whom will showcase the Betfred Derby to a worldwide audience, who consume their media in many, varied ways. Many thanks to RMG and HBA Media for securing a record number of broadcasters, which befits the status of this great race.”

List of broadcasters include:

Asia and Australia : HKJC, Cable TV, Now TV, TVB (Hong Kong); Green Channel, Netkeiba (Japan); Charlton (Israel); WeDo TV (South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia); FanCode (India); STC (Singapore); Sky Racing, Racing.com, Trackside (Australasia).

Africa and Middle East : Dubai Racing Channel (MENA); SuperSport, Racing 240, Gallop TV (Africa).

Americas and Caribbean : NYRA, FOX Sports*, FanDuel (US); Sportsnet, HPI (Canada); ESPN / Disney+ (South America and Caribbean)

Europe : Eurovision Sport (pan-regional Europe); Viaplay (Netherlands, Scandinavia); Equidia (France); EQUTV, Ippica (Italy); Polsat (Poland); ITV, Racing TV (UK, Republic of Ireland); Setanta (Eurasia & Baltics); Silknet (Georgia); D-Smart, TJK (Turkey); Virgin Media (Republic of Ireland); WeDo TV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

Global, News and Magazine Programming : Anuvu (Cruise Ships); Sport 24 (Airlines); CNN International* (News); Reuters* (News); TransWorld Sports* (Magazine Show).

*on delay

Broadcasters have the choice of taking the full World Feed (12.45pm to 4.15pm BST / local), or a condensed Crown Jewels Racing programme (2.30pm to 4.15pm), presented by Aly Vance.

RMG’s own TV channel, Racing TV, will also show the race in 12,000 pubs and clubs in the UK and Ireland. Radio listeners will enjoy extensive live coverage in the UK courtesy of BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT 1 and 2.

ENDS

KENTUCKY DERBY ACHIEVES GLOBAL REACH THROUGH CROWN JEWELS RACING PARTNERSHIPS

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 01 May 2025 08:24:23 GMT

KENTUCKY DERBY ACHIEVES GLOBAL REACH THROUGH CROWN JEWELS RACING PARTNERSHIPS

· 18 broadcasters to showcase the event in over 170 territories

Thursday 1st May - Global horse racing takes the spotlight this Saturday, 3 ^rd May, with the eagerly awaited Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. Often hailed as ‘the most exciting two minutes in sport’, this year’s edition marks a milestone in international reach, with an impressive 18 broadcasters showcasing the event in over 170 territories.

Over the course of a three-year term (2023 – 2025), HBA Media – the dedicated media rights agency for horse racing – has successfully positioned the Kentucky Derby as a cornerstone of its premium Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) sales package.

This offering is tailored to attract mainstream sports and racing channels by delivering a comprehensive, year-round horse racing experience. As a result of this strategic alignment, the first leg of the Triple Crown has annually expanded its global reach, with a further six first-time broadcasters joining the international lineup for the 2025 edition.

Those making their Kentucky Derby debut include:

Abu Dhabi Media (MENA) – Making their return to live racing coverage with their first acquisition of such content since 2021.

FanCode (India) – An exclusive agreement with an Indian OTT sports streaming platform, reaching 160 million homes. securing rights to the full year-round CJR package.

Netkeiba (Japan) – Following impressive viewership numbers for both the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup, the Japanese broadcaster will now bring the Kentucky Derby to its 17 million users.

Megamedia (Chile) – Marking their inaugural broadcast and ensuring that the Kentucky Derby is free to air to domestic viewers in western South America.

Viaplay (Scandinavia, Netherlands) and D-Smart (Turkey) – The Kentucky Derby is set to return to screens in Scandinavia, Netherlands and Turkey, as two leading mainstream pay-TV broadcasters secure the full CJR package.

The US audience will be particularly well catered for with NBCU broadcasting live on course with Nick Luck and Britney Eurton at the helm of their five-hour international and domestic world feed coverage (18:00 – 19:30 ET / 23:00 – 00:30 BST) of which ninety minutes will be dedicated to the feature race.

The full list of international broadcasters include:

Asia and Australia : Fancode (India), Netkeiba (Japan) and WeDo Sports (Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar).

Africa and Middle East : Abu Dhabi Media (MENA) / Yas TV (MENA); SuperSport.

Americas and Caribbean : NBCU (US); CityTV (Canada); ESPN / Disney+ (South America and Caribbean) and MegaMedia (Chile).

Europe : Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing (UK & Ireland), Virgin Media (Ireland), Viaplay (pan Europe), Polsat (Poland), Setanta (Eurasia and Baltics), SilkNet (Georgia), D-Smart (Turkey) and WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

Global, News and Magazine programming : Sport 24 (planes and ships), Reuters and TransWorld Sports.

Gary Quinn, VP of Programming for NBCU, said: “We are excited to have the most comprehensive distribution plan in the history of the Kentucky Derby, as NBC Sports presents the ‘Run for the Roses’ for a milestone 25 ^th time.”

Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media , said: “I’m pleased to say the figures speak for themselves. HBA Media has remained committed to building a powerful portfolio of premier horse racing under the Crown Jewels Racing banner, and the Kentucky Derby is clearly benefitting from that vision.

“A global audience is set to witness an extraordinary celebration as we mark the 151st running of the Derby—one of the most iconic sporting and social events in the United States.”

Ends

BROADCASTERS TO EMBRACE THE DUBAI WORLD CUP AND RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL CROSSOVER WITH EXTENDED COVERAGE AND A BESPOKE HYBRID CROWN JEWELS RACING (CJR) PROGRAMME

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:08:15 GMT

Broadcasters to embrace the Dubai World Cup and Randox Grand National crossover with extended coverage and a bespoke hybrid Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) programme

40 broadcasters to showcase both events in around 170 countries

Wednesday 2 ^nd April - For the first time, two iconic race meetings - the Randox Grand National and the Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline - will take place on the same day, this Saturday April 5 ^th .

This unusual scheduling is primarily influenced by the timing of the holy month of Ramadan and a shorter three-week gap between the Aintree and Cheltenham Festivals. Adding to this, an unexpected UAE weather forecast of extreme heat has necessitated a one-hour adjustment to the Dubai World Cup schedule, prompting broadcasters to devise creative solutions to accommodate the unique clash between the two fixtures.

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and its appointed distribution agency, HBA Media, oversee the global non-betting TV distribution on behalf of Jockey Club Racecourses, such as Aintree, and the Dubai Racing Club, which stages the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse.

Together, RMG and HBA are offering international broadcasters the choice of:

· An international World Feed dedicated to either Aintree or Meydan.

· A Track Feed, which allows broadcasters to insert their own presentation.

· A hybrid Crown Jewels Racing programme - a marathon three-and-a-half-hour 'best of both worlds' option, which has caught the imagination of broadcasters globally.

These valuable broadcast packages have attracted around 40 broadcasters, across approximately 170 territories, with the majority opting for the bespoke CJR hybrid show produced by RMG.

With the Randox Grand National starting at 16:00 (BST), and with the Meydan adjustments, the CJR show will now transmit live from 15:30 – 19:00 (BST). Aly Vance will anchor from Aintree, and join the ITV coverage, fronted by Ed Chamberlin, used for the world-famous steeplechase, and the RMG coverage, anchored by Rishi Persad, live from Dubai.

RMG's director of communication and international distribution, Seb Vance explains: “This is a unique opportunity to showcase two high-profile events on the same day and allows us to deliver an action-packed spectacle to audiences worldwide, featuring two of the most thrilling and contrasting racedays on the calendar, along with their supporting cards, all within a dynamic three-and-a-half-hour window.”

Frank Sale, Chief Executive at HBA Media added: ‘We are pleased to have successfully navigated the challenge of showcasing two major events on the same day, ensuring an extensive global audience and uplift in distribution for both The Jockey Club and Dubai Racing Club, along with their sponsors.

“Through close collaboration with our broadcast partners internationally, alongside RMG, HBA will bring the excitement of both major races to 40+ networks worldwide with a specialised and tailored suite of programming options.”

Dickon White, Aintree and North-West Regional Director at The Jockey Club, said: “We have a truly global television audience, as befits the most famous Jumps race on the planet, and we’re grateful to RMG and HBA Media for making that happen. We hope our audiences around the world enjoy the 177 ^th running of the Randox Grand National and what is one of the sport’s greatest spectacles.”

His Excellency, Mr Ali Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Racing Club, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Dubai World Cup has attracted record interest, and all credit to RMG and HBA for ensuring this truly global audience. TV pictures, whether they are through mainstream channels, online or social media, provide the best possible shop window to the Dubai World Cup and is always a barometer of the event’s popularity.”

List of Grand National TV broadcasters (32 in total) include:

Asia and Australia: Green Channel* (Japan); Charlton (Israel); WeDo Sports (South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia); FanCode (India); Sky Racing, Racing.com, Trackside (Australasia)

Africa and Middle East: Dubai Racing Channel (MENA); SuperSport, Racing 240, Gallop (Africa)

Americas and Caribbean: NYRA, FOX Sports*, Fanduel (US); Sportsnet (Canada); ESPN / Disney+ (LATAM & Caribbean)

Europe: Eurovision (31 territories); Viaplay (Scandinavia & Netherlands); Equidia (France); EQUTV, Ippica (Italy); Polsat (Poland); ITV, Racing TV, Virgin Media (UK & Republic of Ireland); Setanta (Eurasia & Baltics); Silknet (Georgia); D-Smart (Turkey); WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland and Austria)

Global, News and Magazine programming: Sport 24 (planes and ships); CNN International; Reuters; TransWorld Sports

*recording

Broadcasters (41 in total) covering the Dubai World Cup fixture include:

Asia and Australia : Green Channel, Fuji TV, Kansai, Netkeiba (Japan); TVB, Cable TV, Now TV, HKJC TV (Hong Kong); STC TV (Singapore); Sport+ (Kazakhstan); WeDo TV (South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia); FanCode (India); Channel 7, Sky Thoroughbred Central, Racing.com, Trackside (Australasia)

Africa and Middle East : Dubai Racing Channel, Saudi Sports Channel, Yas TV (MENA); SuperSport, Racing 240 (Africa)

Americas and Caribbean : FOX Sports, Fanduel (US); Sportsnet (Canada); ESPN / Disney+ (LATAM & Caribbean)

Europe : Eurovision (31 territories); Viaplay (Scandinavia & Netherlands); Equidia (France); EQUTV (Italy); Match TV (Russia); Polsat (Poland); Racing TV, Virgin Media (UK & Republic of Ireland); Setanta (Eurasia & Baltics); Silknet (Georgia); D-Smart, TJK TV (Turkey); WeDo TV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

Global, News and Magazine programming : Sport 24 (planes and ships); CNN International; Reuters; TransWorld Sports

ENDS

THE WORLD IS WATCHING – DUBAI WORLD CUP TO BE BROADCAST TO RECORD 170 COUNTRIES

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:36:39 GMT

The world is watching – Dubai World Cup to be Broadcast to Record 170 countries

29 ^th March 2025 - The US$30.5million Dubai World Cup fixture at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, 5 April will be seen in 170 countries in all corners of the globe.

The fixture is acknowledged as the world’s most international raceday, with more than a dozen countries set be represented across the nine showpiece races, headlined by the $12m Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

RMG, in conjunction with Timeline TV, is providing all broadcast services for Dubai Racing Club, including the World Feed programme, anchored by Rishi Persad. There are a record 37 broadcasters lined up to cover the event live, including, Channel 7, which will show the event for the first time on mainstream TV in Australia, leading Canadian sports network, Sportsnet, and Fancode, which has 160m users in India.

Other major broadcasters include Fox Sports in the US, ESPN / Star+ in South America, SuperSport in Africa and Eurovision, Viaplay and Setanta Sports in Europe.

The region will be served by Dubai Racing Channel, Yas TV (Abu Dhabi) and Saudi Sports Channel, who will all be on-site at Meydan, while the South-East Asian audience will enjoy coverage via Green Channel, Fuji TV, Kansai and NetKeiba (Japan) and HKJC TV, Cable TV, Now TV and TVB (Hong Kong).

His Excellency, Mr Ali Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Racing Club, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Dubai World Cup has attracted record interest, and all credit to RMG and HBA for ensuring this truly global audience. TV pictures, whether they are through mainstream channels, online or social media, provide the best possible shop window to the Dubai World Cup and TV interest is always a barometer of the event’s popularity.”

Seb Vance, Director of International TV Distribution at RMG, said: “Working with His Excellency Mr Ali Al Ali and his talented team at Dubai Racing Club, RMG and HBA Media are proud to deliver what will be record audiences for the Dubai World Cup. This is the 10 ^th consecutive season which RMG has provided television and production services for the Dubai Racing Club – we are very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing this hugely valued relationship.”

Sport 24 will make the broadcast available to selected cruise-lines and airlines, including title sponsor, Emirates Airline, for those in the skies and on the seas. CNN Worldwide, which reaches more than 347 million households, is covering the race for its World Sport programme and Reuters will distribute highlights to news outlets.

Broadcasters have the choice of taking the World Feed, Track Feed (which allows broadcasters to insert their own presentation) and a Crown Jewels Racing feed which features the Randox Grand National alongside the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic in a special two-and-a-half-hour programme.

Broadcasters (41 in total) covering the Dubai World Cup fixture include:

Asia and Australia : Green Channel, Fuji TV, Kansai, Netkeiba (Japan); TVB, Cable TV, Now TV, HKJC TV (Hong Kong); STC TV (Singapore); Sport+ (Kazakhstan); WeDo TV (South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia); Fancode (India); Channel 7, Sky Thoroughbred Central, Racing.com, Trackside (Australasia)

Africa and Middle East : Dubai Racing Channel, Saudi Sports Channel, Yas TV (MENA); SuperSport, Racing 240 (Africa)

Americas and Caribbean : Fox Sports, Fanduel (US); Sportsnet (Canada); ESPN / Star+ (South America and Caribbean)

Europe : Eurovision, Viaplay (pan Europe); Equidia (France); EQUTV (Italy); Match TV (Russia); Polsat (Poland); Racing TV (UK, Republic of Ireland); Setanta (Eurasia and Baltics); SilkNet (Georgia); D-Smart, TJK TV (Turkey); Virgin Media (Republic of Ireland); and WeDo (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

Global, News and Magazine programming : Sport 24 (planes and ships), CNN International, Reuters, TransWorld Sports.

ENDS

RECORD DISTRIBUTION WITH 38 INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTERS SET TO SHOWCASE THE 2025 SAUDI CUP, FEATURING MULTIPLE FIRST-TIME CHANNELS

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:10:07 GMT

Record distribution with 38 international broadcasters set to showcase the 2025 Saudi Cup, featuring multiple first-time channels

Thursday, 20th February 2025 – A record 38 broadcasters will showcase the world’s richest race, the Saudi Cup, held at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh this Saturday, 22nd February – ensuring an unprecedented reach that targets all corners of the globe for the $20 million contest.

Now in its sixth year, the Group 1 Saudi Cup has cemented its status as one of horse racing’s premier international events. This year’s renewal has once again attracted a stellar lineup, featuring 14 international contenders from Saudi Arabia, Japan, France, Hong Kong, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Rattle n Roll, the principal contender from the US, will be cheered home by FOX Sports – who return with an on-site production presence to Riyadh once again.

The race’s ever-increasing status in the international racing community is also reflected in the growing number of major linear and OTT broadcasters set to access a diverse range of media packages from distribution agency HBA Media, including seven new broadcasters:

Channel 7 makes its Saudi Cup debut, providing full coverage across both linear and digital platforms on Australia’s leading free-to-air network.

FanCode , India’s premier sports destination with over 150 million users, will introduce the Saudi Cup to a new and expanding audience.

SportsNet will showcase the Saudi Cup in Canada on their pay-TV channels for the first time ever as part of their fresh commitment to domestic and international racing.

Kazakh audiences will experience the Saudi Cup live for the first time thanks to a new partnership with Sport+ , which is expanding its Middle Eastern racing coverage.

Longstanding partnership with WeDo Sports will see the Saudi Cup’s reach extended into five Southeast Asian territories for the first time.

Eurovision , a digital platform and brainchild of the EBU, will broadcast the Saudi Cup for the first time into 30 territories, championing the European contenders.

D-Smart has signed on to be the exclusive rights holder of Crown Jewels Racing in Turkey and will mark its Saudi Cup debut this week.

HBA’s principal international broadcast package is CJR90 – a 90-minute live show co-produced by IMG and HBA, presented by Nick Luck, Michelle Yu, Tom Stanley, Oli Bell and Laffit Pincay. This year’s refreshed format will include the Group 2 Longines Red Sea Turf, before shifting focus to the main event - the Group 1 Saudi Cup - which is set to go off at 20:40 local time / 17:40 GMT. The coverage will be enhanced with fan engagement tool and predictor game CJRFantasy, and a variety of lifestyle, cultural and racing-related features.

The full list of Saudi Cup broadcasters include:

North & South America, Caribbean: FOX Sports (US), FanDuel (US), ESPN/Disney+ (LATAM, Caribbean), Sportsnet (Canada).

Europe: Racing TV (UK), Virgin Media (Ireland), Rai (Italy), Polsat (Poland), Equidia (France), Viaplay (Netherlands, Scandinavia), Silknet (Georgia), CYTA (Cyprus), Setanta (Balkans/Eurasia), WeDo Sports (DACH), D-Smart (Turkey), Eurovision (30 European territories), EQUTV (Italy).

Asia Pacific: Channel 7 (Australia), Sky Racing (Australia), FanCode (India), Green Channel and Netkeiba (Japan), WeDo Asia (South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia), Sport+ (Kazakhstan) and HKJC (Hong Kong).

Africa and MENA: DMI (MENA), SSC (KSA), SuperSport (53 African territories)

Global: Sport24 (11 Airlines), Reuters (News), TransWorld Sport (Magazine show)

Chris Bevan, Chief Commercial Officer for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said: “The aim of this event since it began in 2020 was to create a truly international celebration of top-quality racing and we are delighted to see that he Saudi Cup remains an attractive product for global broadcasters.”

Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said: “It’s an honour to collaborate with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and witness the remarkable growth and enthusiasm for horse racing in the Kingdom and for their headline race globally.

“Our longstanding partnership with the Saudi Cup, since its inception, enables HBA Media to maximise commercial opportunities for the federation, and we are delighted to report an expansive broadcast reach with 38 international outlets and major sports networks showcasing the highly competitive event across approximately 170 territories.

“As always, HBA will be on-site for the duration of the meeting, and we look forward to continuing our support for this prestigious sporting spectacle.”

CJRFANTASY

Entering its second year, CJRFantasy is proving an engaging tool to help unify the global horse racing calendar, providing broadcasters and their fans around the world with a new platform to challenge their knowledge and prizes.

The 18-game season continues with the Saudi Cup with an impressive global raceday experience prize, alongside a new ‘Out The Money’ booster and an ‘Ice Cold’ bonus. The monthly CJRFantasy game schedule will then take in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Florida Derby, Grand National, the Preakness Stakes, Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot (Gold Cup), King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Sussex Stakes, The Juddmonte International, Irish Champions Stakes, California Crown, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, British Champions Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, Melbourne Cup and the Hong Kong Cup.

Ends

HBA MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH FANCODE FOR CROWN JEWELS RACING SEASON 2025

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:06:02 GMT

HBA Media announces exclusive partnership with FanCode for Crown Jewels Racing Season 2025

Wednesday 22nd January 2025 – FanCode will be the exclusive broadcast partner in India for the Crown Jewels Racing season in 2025. FanCode, India’s premier digital sports destination with over 160 million users, will bring unparalleled access to the world’s most prestigious international horse racing events.

The season kicks off this Saturday with the Pegasus World Cup, and FanCode will join more than 20 networks broadcasting the race into over 150 territories.

FanCode’s extensive portfolio, which includes top international sports like Formula 1, MLB, AFC & CAF Football & ICC Pathways Cricket, will now champion horse racing to a broader audience in India. Through its innovative digital capabilities, FanCode will offer fans an engaging and comprehensive viewing experience, establishing a strong foothold for horse racing in this emerging market.

The Crown Jewels Racing series features an unparalleled line-up of elite events, including the Pegasus World Cup, Saudi Cup, Randox Grand National, Dubai World Cup, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, Betfred Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Qatar Sussex Stakes, the Juddmonte International, Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Irish Champions' Stakes, QIPCO British Champions' Day, Breeders' Cup, Lexus Melbourne Cup, and Hong Kong International Races.

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Hannah Tufnell – Head of Marketing and Communications, HBA Media

Hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

RACECOURSE MEDIA GROUP AND HBA MEDIA EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO MAXIMISE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA RIGHTS FOR BRITISH AND IRISH HORSE RACING

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:49:19 GMT

Racecourse Media Group and HBA Media extend partnership to maximise International Media Rights for British and Irish horseracing

Wednesday 18th December 2024 – Racecourse Media Group (RMG), responsible for a range of racecourses’ media rights businesses, have renewed their distribution relationship with HBA Media, the leading horse racing media rights agency through a refreshed three-year representation agreement.

The renewal sees HBA Media continue to market and distribute RMG’s showcase British, Irish and international events to a global audience. The successful partnership, established in 2021, has resulted in a substantial increase in media rights revenue and enhanced broadcast exposure, as well as the launch and development of Crown Jewels Racing (CJR).

Crown Jewels Racing is a year-round premium package of the very best of the sport, comprised of 18 world-renowned race-days, including seven RMG-managed events. This enables international broadcasters to market more effectively and build a year-long narrative around the global horseracing calendar. CJR is complemented by enhanced production (a CJR 90 stand-alone production around the feature race) and a fan engagement tool, CJR Fantasy Game.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“We are delighted to have extended our agreement with RMG as their principal distribution partner for premium British, Irish, Dubai and Bahrain horse racing. Our collaboration brings together an exceptional lineup of events and forms an unparalleled calendar of prestigious racing festivals across multiple continents - promoted globally under the Crown Jewels Racing banner and creating a one-stop shop for broadcasters and platforms.

“With a 100% increase in media right revenue over the past rights cycle, our ambition is to target new territories, expand our network of over 40 established broadcasters, and build on our successful commercial returns for Federations by improving production standards. We also will continue to distribute the World Feeds of RMG’s wider racing portfolio outside of the CJR brand.”

Nick Mills, Chief Executive of Racecourse Media Group, added:

“Our racecourses have benefitted from significantly enhanced global exposure and an increase in rights fees, thanks to RMG teaming up with HBA Media. We have been particularly delighted to work with HBA on the launch of Crown Jewels Racing. For the first time, networks benefit from a one-stop shop for horseracing rights, resulting in a consistent calendar of the very best of the sport. The CJR events offer audiences access to premium sporting drama, lifestyle, and entertainment and help leverage each other to boost reach and rights fees.”

EVENTS PORTFOLIO:

RMG events include:

Dubai World Cup Carnival – 17 fixtures, headlined by the US $30.5 million Dubai World Cup meeting on Saturday, 5 April 2025
Cheltenham Festival - the pinnacle event of the jump-racing calendar. Each day offers a unique twist on four days of extraordinary.
Randox Grand National Festival - the three-day festival climaxes with the national institution that is the Grand National - the world's greatest steeplechase
Betfred Derby Festival – the Derby from Epsom is the most famous Flat race in the world, and gives its name to many other Derbies run all over the world
Qatar ‘Glorious Goodwood’ Festival - the world-famous five-day festival, affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, is one of the undisputed highlights of the British flat racing season
Sky Bet Ebor Festival - the four-day Sky Bet Ebor Festival hosts a Group 1 contest on each of the first three days and culminates with the historic Sky Bet Ebor Handicap
Irish Champions Festival – a leading international racing festival featuring world class racing over two days at Leopardstown and The Curragh
QIPCO British Champions Day – Ascot plays host to the finale of the British Flat racing season and Britain’s richest raceday
Bahrain International Trophy – the $1m Bahrain showpiece is one of the jewels of the Middle Eastern racing calendar

This impressive year-long racing portfolio, is further strengthened by HBA’s existing commercial partnerships with several major organisations, including:

Ascot Racecourse – known for hosting Royal Ascot, one of the most famous horse racing events in the world.
The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia – responsible for the G1 Saudi Cup, another major international horse race with one of the largest prize pools globally.
Victoria Racing Company –the entity behind some of Australia’s most significant races, including the Melbourne Cup.
Breeders’ Cup – a key event in American racing that attracts top horses from around the world.
1/ST – North America’s leading events operation with ownership of Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park and events such as the Pegasus World Cup, The Preakness Stakes and the California Crown.
Hong Kong Jockey Club - a world-leading racing club, for which HBA distributed seven international Group 1 contests staged over two principal racedays being the Longines Hong Kong International Races and the FWD Champions’ Day.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Hannah Tufnell – Head of Marketing and Communications, HBA Media

Hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

Seb Vance – Director of Communications and International TV Distribution, RMG

seb.vance@racecoursemediagroup.com / +44 (0) 7810 043 040

About Racecourse Media Group (RMG):
RMG is the holding company responsible for a range of media rights management businesses involving 37 racecourse shareholders. The businesses include Racing TV (Pay TV coverage from 35 British and all 26 Irish racecourses); GBI Racing (international betting broadcast service formed via a joint venture with ARC) and Racecourse Data Company (a joint venture between 59 UK racecourses for the licensing and control of Pre-Race Data). RMG has streaming integrations with over 60 bookmaker brands in the UK and Ireland. Content from 36 UK racecourses is also broadcast in c. 7,000 betting shops in UK and Ireland via a partnership with SIS. For more info, go to: www.racecoursemediagroup.com

About HBA Media (HBA):

HBA Media provide multiple live international horseracing packages to broadcasters as well as umbrella deals which include the co-ordination of programme delivery, daily management and troubleshooting.

HBA Media’s aim is to reposition horseracing to be competitive with the likes of football, rugby, and cricket in the world of sports broadcasting.

HBA Media is proud to work with a whole host of prestigious racing federations and major global networks including Ascot Racecourse Limited, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, France Galop, Eurosport, Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media, TVG, The Japan Racing Association, Singapore Turf Club, The German Jockey Club, The German Tote, Italian Racing, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, NYRA, The New Zealand Racing Board, Racecourse Media Group, The Stronach Group, Breeders' Cup, Phumelela Gaming, the Saudi Cup and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. For more information, visit www.hbamedia.tv

ENDS

US GIANTS FOX SPORTS TO SHOWCASE THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACEDAY

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 11:44:50 GMT

US giants FOX Sports to showcase the Hong Kong International Raceday

A total of 23 international broadcasters will air the Hong Kong International Group 1 contests in over 160 territories.

Friday 6th December 2024 – The Hong Kong International Raceday on Sunday 8th December has achieved significant global footprint, with 23 broadcasters airing the event in over 160 territories. This year's coverage sees the return of FOX Sports (USA) who will give a dedicated live window to the feature races. Six new distribution deals have also been struck with Sportsnet (Canada), Eurovision (20 European territories), Viaplay (Scandinavia and Netherlands), Polsat (Poland), Sport24 (Airlines) and NTV (Mongolia).

HBA Media (HBA), in partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, have quadrupled the international distribution to ensure that the Longines Hong Kong International Raceday, which features four Group 1 races – Hong Kong Sprint, Mile, Cup and Vase – will be available to a worldwide audience.

FULL INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST DISTRIBUTION:

Australia and Asia: Racing.com (Australia), Sky Thoroughbred (Australia), Transvision (Indonesia), Sony Pictures Network (Indian Subcontinent) and NTV (Mongolia).

Europe: Sky Sports Racing (UK), Racing TV (UK), Virgin Media (Ireland), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Equidia (France), WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Polsat (Poland), Silknet (Georgia), Eurovision (20 European dark market territories) and Viaplay (Scandinavia, Netherlands).

Americas: FOX Sports (USA), ESPN / Disney+ (Latin America and the Caribbean), Sportsnet (Canada) and SportsMax (Caribbean).

Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (Africa).

Global: Reuters (Global News Outlet), Sport24 (Airlines) and Anuvu (Cruise Ships).

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “Our partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club continues to grow, and we are delighted that the Hong Kong International Raceday is now the cornerstone that closes HBA’s year-round package of the best of international horse racing for broadcasters and platforms worldwide.

“We have quadrupled the number of broadcasters showcasing this world-class event and we will look to build on this momentum for the 2025 edition, working on enhanced production offerings with the HKJC, who we thank hugely for their support.”

Sam Nati, Head of Commingling of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “The Longines Hong Kong International Races continue to bring some of the biggest superstars in our sport to Hong Kong from all around the world, with representatives from the UK, Japan, Australia, Ireland and many more taking to the track at Sha Tin. The four Group One races, all benefitting from World Pool status, will reach a truly global audience – with an expanded presence on major sports networks thanks to our partnership with HBA Media.”

The Hong Kong International Raceday is a feature of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 18 of the best horseracing events from around the world across the calendar year. Broadcasters can elect to take the full seven-hour world feed (produced by HKJC and presented by Nick Luck) or a shortened two-and-a-half-hour option around three Group 1 races. The CJR promo can be viewed here and the CJR Fantasy game is free to play at https://fantasy.crownjewelsracing.com.

ENDS

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL TROPHY TO RECEIVE TRULY GLOBAL EXPOSURE

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:50:35 GMT

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL TROPHY TO RECEIVE TRULY GLOBAL EXPOSURE

23 global broadcasters to showcase Kingdom’s showpiece horserace in more than 100 countries

Wednesday, 13th November 2024 - The US$1m Bahrain International Trophy on Friday (15 ^th November) has once again attracted some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting, including the likes of Fox Sports in the US and ESPN / Star+ in South America and Caribbean.

A total of 23 broadcasters have so far committed to showcasing the $1m race – one of the showpiece races in the region.

Twelve horses are set to go to post with six countries represented, headed by four-time Group 1 winner, Nation’s Pride, and last year’s winner Spirit Dancer, co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. The race is due off at 7.35pm local time (4.35pm GMT).

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media (HBA), two of the world’s leading horseracing media rights companies, working with the Bahrain Turf Club, are distributing the TV coverage.

Some of the world’s leading sports broadcasters are taking live coverage include Fox Sports in the US and ESPN / Star+ in Latin America and Caribbean. For the first time, live coverage will be shown in Japan via digital platform Netkeiba, which engages 17m monthly users, and in Canada via leading sports network, SportsNet.

North and South America, plus the Caribbean: Fox Sports, Fanduel (US); SportsNet, HPI (Canada) ESPN / Star+ (50 countries in Latin America, Caribbean); SportsMax (Caribbean).
Europe: Equidia (France); Polsat (Poland); Racing TV, Sky Sports Racing (UK, Republic of Ireland); Setanta (14 countries in Balkans and Eurasia); SilkNet (Georgia); Virgin (Republic of Ireland); Wedo (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
Asia and Australasia: Sony Pictures Network* (7 countries in Indian subcontinent); Transvision (Indonesia); Netkeiba, Green Channel* (Japan), Sky Racing* (Australia)
Middle East and Africa: Bahrain TV, Dubai Racing Channel (17 countries in MENA); Saudi Sports Channels* (Saudia Arabia); 4Racing (16 countries in Africa)

*recording / delay

Yusuf Buheji, CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club, said: “We are delighted that all corners of the globe will be able to watch the Bahrain International Trophy, which is befitting of the global nature of the race and its high standing in the international calendar. We would like to thank RMG and its agency, HBA Media, for securing such significant and meaningful television coverage.”

RMG is also delighted to be working with NEP Productions in co-producing the live one-hour world feed programme (7pm to 8pm local), which will air in 108 countries.

Seb Vance, Director of Communications and International TV Distribution at RMG, added: “RMG is honoured to be working closely with the Bahrain Turf Club for its sixth season through our production, distribution and marketing partnerships. Along with our agency, HBA Media, we are delighted the Bahrain International Trophy will again enjoy such terrific exposure. We look forward to delivering another world-class event to audiences around the globe.”

ENDS

MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL SOLIDIFIES GLOBAL STATUS WITH RECORD BROADCAST COVERAGE ACROSS ALL MAJOR CONTINENTS

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 23:47:07 GMT

Melbourne Cup Carnival solidifies global status with record broadcast coverage across all major continents

Monday, 4th November 2024 - The The Melbourne Cup Carnival will enjoy record TV exposure with Australia’s greatest horse racing festival to be aired on 28 sporting networks, covering 228 territories.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup, known as ‘The Race that Stops a Nation’™, will headline the four-day meeting. Run on Tuesday 5 ^th November, the $8.56m feature race takes place at Flemington Racecourse where the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and HBA Media will co-produce a bespoke world feed for expectant audiences.

The VRC’s two-hour broadcast will spotlight the international allure of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, showcasing its rich history and the compelling stories of top global contenders. Hong Kong-based jockey Andrea Atzeni recently expressed admiration for the unique atmosphere of the Carnival, while UK trainer Brian Ellison is optimistic about his horse, Onesmoothoperator, who has seen his odds shorten to 12-1 after a victory in the 2024 Geelong Cup.

HBA Media (HBA), the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) dedicated global distribution agency, has secured improved distribution for the wider Carnival days. Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, Crown Oaks Day and TAB Champions Stakes Day will be headlined by FOX Sports in the USA, bringing the Melbourne Cup Carnival to over 70 million American homes.

Six new networks join the Aussie party, including Rogers (Canada), Eurovision (20 European dark market territories), Viaplay (Scandinavia, Netherlands), NTV (Mongolia), Reuters (Global News) and TransWorld Sports (Global Magazine Show), plus several key renewals. These additions promise to enhance the global reach of the event, offering fans even more access to the festivities surrounding Australia's premier horse racing event.

Full Coverage Details:

Australia and Asia: Channel Nine, Racing.com (Australia), ABC International (Pacific/SE Asia), Transvision (Indonesia), Premier Sports (SE Asia), Sony Pictures Network (India and Indian Subcontinent), NTV (Mongolia), Fiji TV (Fiji) and FBC (Fiji).

Europe: Sky Sports Racing (UK), Virgin Media (Ireland), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Polsat (Poland), Silknet (Georgia), Kanal 75 (Sweden), Eurovision (20 European dark market territories) and Viaplay (Scandinavia, Netherlands).

Americas: FOX Sports (USA), ESPN (Central and South America), Rogers (Canada), SportsMax (Caribbean).

MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa: DMI (MENA), SuperSport (Africa).

Global: Reuters (Global News Outlet), TransWorld Sports (Global Magazine Show), Sport24 (Airlines), Anuvu (Cruise Ships).

Kylie Rogers, Victoria Racing Club’s Chief Executive, said: “VRC are delighted that the valued partnership with HBA Media will once again showcase The Melbourne Cup Carnival to the world with a dedicated production for the global audience.

“The breath of major distributors continues to expand every year and plays a key part in the VRC’s international strategy.”

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, added: “We are thrilled to have delivered record international viewership for the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival in its entirety.

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is one pf the cornerstones of horse racing, and thanks to the VRC’s continued investment in live and on-demand content, our global broadcasters will showcase the full Carnival in all its splendour in over 200 territories.

“HBA Media have had the privilege of working with the VRC for over a decade, and we are delighted to be championing theirs and Australia’s blue riband on the international stage.”

The Lexus Melbourne Cup is a feature of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 18 of the best horseracing events in the world, all evenly spaced throughout the year. The CJR promo can be viewed here and the CJR Fantasy game is free to play at https://fantasy.crownjewelsracing.com .

ENDS

BREEDERS’ CUP ATTRACTS RECORD BROADCASTERS FOR THIS YEAR’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:58:17 GMT

BREEDERS' CUP ATTRACTS RECORD BROADCASTERS FOR THIS YEAR'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Thursday, 31st October 2024 - The Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to Del Mar on Friday 1 ^st and Saturday 2 ^nd November. This two-day championship will feature expanded global coverage, with 30 networks broadcasting the event across every populated continent. This marks an increase in reach, ensuring that the excitement of the Breeders' Cup can be experienced by horse racing fans worldwide.

Coverage of all 14 champion races, which collectively boast $34 million in prize money and awards, will be produced by host broadcaster NBC. Four championship races, headlined by the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic and Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, will be showcased on the main NBC channel, with the full two-day card also available across Peacock, USA Network and FanDuel TV.

UK viewers can catch the Breeders' Cup on ITV Racing, with excitement building around City of Troy, the European champion three-year-old and Epsom Derby winner, making his final career start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic before retiring to stud in Ireland. Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV will offer full coverage of all races for UK and Irish audiences.

HBA Media (HBA), the Breeders’ Cup’s exclusive international distribution agency, has secured:

· 10 broadcasters showcasing Future Stars Friday via the NBC World Feed - seeing bolstered distribution. (Up from six last year).

· From the 30 international broadcasters championing the Breeders’ Cup - six are new deals, along with an array of renewals. Notably, Channel Nine (Australia) will broadcast a bespoke 60-minute show, whilst Rogers (Canada) will cover the entire World Feed on its Sportsnet channel. Meanwhile, ESPN and Disney+ will broadcast both days across 50 territories in South America, SuperSport will cover the event throughout Africa and Virgin Media in Ireland will provide extensive airtime, as multiple Irish challengers compete.

HBA and the Breeders’ Cup have continued their unique ‘Golden Hour’ production, which focuses on delivering the feature Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic to an international audience. This offering will be broadcast worldwide by Channel Nine (Australia), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Sony Pictures Networks (Indian Subcontinent), WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland and Austria), Polsat (Poland) and Sport 24 (Global Airlines), amongst others.

Full coverage details:

USA/Canada: NBC, USA Network, Peacock and FanDuel TV with Sportsnet in Canada.

South America and Caribbean: ESPN/Disney+ (Latin America), SportsMax (Caribbean).

Europe: ITV4 (UK), Racing TV (UK & Ireland), Sky Sports Racing (UK & Ireland), Virgin Media (Ireland), Kanal 75 (Sweden), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Polsat (Poland), Silknet (Georgia), WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), EuroVision (20 European dark market territories) and Viaplay (Scandinavia, Netherlands).

Middle East and Africa: DMI (MENA), SuperSport (Africa).

Asia: Sony Pictures Networks (Indian Subcontinent), Transvision (Indonesia), The Green Channel (Japan) and NTV (Mongolia).

Australia/New Zealand: Channel Nine and Entain (both territories).

News and Magazine outlets: Reuters, Sport24 and TransWorld Sports.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “Del Mar Racecourse offers the Breeders’ Cup the most scenic backdrop for this prestigious Championship series. The expanded worldwide reach of 30 networks broadcasting the live coverage underlines the Breeders’ Cup importance within the sporting landscape, as well as its engaged fanbase internationally.

“HBA is proud to have represented the Breeders’ Cup international rights for well over a decade now and the pick-up this year matches the ambition we have for the sport of horse racing and the opportunity we see with its premium assets”.

“The Breeders’ Cup is pleased to see increasing interest in and affinity for the World Championships from fans around the world year after year,” said Breeders’ Cup Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Justin McDonald. “Not only are more international horses than ever traveling to Del Mar to compete in the world’s best two days of racing, but thanks to HBA and our media distribution partners, fans and bettors around the world will be able to experience it all from their home countries. We look forward to continuing to expand our reach and engage new fans around the world in the years to come.”

The Breeders' Cup is a feature of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 18 of the best horseracing events in the world, all evenly spaced throughout the year. Broadcasters can elect to take the full world feed (produced by NBCU) or the CJR ‘Golden Hour’ (produced by HBA Media) around the Grade 1 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday 2nd November (21:00 to 22:00 GMT). The CJR promo can be viewed here and the CJR Fantasy game is free to play at https://fantasy.crownjewelsracing.com .

Ends

QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY WILL ENJOY RECORD TV EXPOSURE

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:13:10 GMT

QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY WILL ENJOY RECORD TV EXPOSURE

Thursday, 17th October 2024 - QIPCO British Champions Day will enjoy record TV exposure with Britain’s most valuable day of horseracing to be aired on 40 networks, covering over 170 territories (compared to 30 in 150 in 2023).

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media (HBA), working with British Champions Series, have secured truly global coverage of the £4.1m raceday, which includes four Group 1 races, culminating with the QIPCO Champion Stakes, featuring the eagerly-anticipated clash between Economics and Calandagan.

For the first time, Fox Sports US will show the full card on its premier channel Fox Sports 1, while ESPN / Disney + and SuperSport will broadcast to their significant South American and African audiences.

The Far East will enjoy coverage via Green Channel (Japan) and HKJC, Cable TV, TVB and Now TV (Hong Kong), while the Middle East will be served by Dubai Racing Channel. First-time broadcasters include Racing.com (Australia), Sportsnet (Canada), Transvision (Indonesia), NTV (Mongolia) and Eurovision (Europe).

Audiences in UK and Ireland will be well served by ITV, Virgin Media, Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing.

Rod Street, CEO of British Champions Series, said: “All six races are set to be of the highest quality, and we are delighted that TV audiences from all corners of the globe will share in the excitement. Thank you to the teams at RMG and HBA for helping facilitate this record coverage.”

QIPCO British Champions Day is a feature of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 18 of the best horseracing events in the world, all evenly spaced throughout the year. Broadcasters can elect to take the full world feed (produced by ITV) or the CJR ‘Golden Hour’ (produced by ITV, Racecourse Media Group and HBA Media) around the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Stakes on Saturday 19th October (15:00pm to 16:15 BST). The CJR promo can be viewed here and the CJR Fantasy game is free to play at https://fantasy.crownjewelsracing.com .

Ends

2024 QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE TO BE SHOWN BY RECORD 37 BROADCASTERS

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:03:35 GMT

2024 QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE TO BE SHOWN BY RECORD 37 BROADCASTERS

ITV and Sky Sports Racing to broadcast ParisLongchamp races exclusively to UK audiences
FOX Sports 1 reinforces their commitment to premium horse racing with an hour window dedicated to the Arc
Crown Jewels Racing status for the event sees impressive pick up across the Americas and Europe, with eight new broadcasters including AbemaTV for Japan
DMI, Al Kass, beIN and Al Rayyan return with strong on-site presence to ensure that MENA viewers have unrivalled access to France’s premier raceday

2 ^nd October 2024 – A record 37 broadcasters will showcase the much-anticipated Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (October 6 ^th ) live from ParisLongchamp Racecourse, seeing the global audience treble over a three-year period.

HBA Media, France Galop’s global horse racing distribution partner, has secured a record number of international broadcasters for the 103 ^rd running of the famous fixture through strong broadcast packages.

The offerings include:

The proven one-hour live magazine show – The Golden Hour - that caters specifically for Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe’s ever growing international audience. Presented by Tom Stanley alongside UK social media talent Frankie Foster, the show focuses on the principal race with lifestyle interviews, additional features produced by World Horse Racing and in-running coverage provided by Equidia.

The enhanced five-hour World Feed produced by Equidia, featuring the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and a collection of elite Group 1 races, is also available to broadcasters.

In France, M6 and BFM Paris will be on-site to present a bespoke broadcast around the €5,000,000 feature race. Domestic coverage will be supplemented by Equidia .

In the UK, ITV will return to ParisLongchamp with a prolonged Sunday broadcast live on ITV3 , with Oli Bell on-course in a roving reporter role. British coverage is furthered by Sky Sports Racing , who will showcase the entire raceday.

Pan-European coverage has been secured through a first-time deal with the EBU’s OTT platform, Eurovision Sport, which will show the full World Feed in 20 previously un-tapped European territories.

Other first-time broadcasters include:

ESPN and Disney+ showcasing the event in 50 territories across Central and South America.
AbemaTV , Japan’s principal OTT platform make their Arc debut with a strong editorial focus on native contenders.
Fuji TV and The Green Channel will also broadcast in Japan via the JRA betting agreement with PMU.
Sportsnet will provide prominent coverage in Canada as they continue to commit to domestic and international horse racing.
Viaplay (Scandinavia, Netherlands) and NTV (Mongolia) mark their inaugural broadcast in their respective territories, with the latter adding local language to their coverage.
SportsMax will ensure that the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is available in 26 territories across the Caribbean.
Additional European outlets include Virgin Media (Ireland), BBC Radio 5Live , RAI (Italy); WeDoTV (Germany / Switzerland / Austria), Silknet (Georgia), Polsat (Poland), Kanal 75 (Sweden) and Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia).

The US audience will be catered for with FOX Sports showcasing The Golden Hour, highlighting the channel’s on-going commitment to international horse racing. Fandual will provide another regional media opportunity.

Australian viewers can watch free-to-air through Racing.com and Entain’s OTT channels, with the latter also available in New Zealand. Indonesia fans will enjoy coverage of the Arc courtesy of TransVision’s linear and digital channels. Sony Pictures Network will showcase the Golden Hour across the Indian subcontinent.

Audiences in the Middle East have retained their impressive broadcast options with four media channels supporting Europe’s premier event. DMI (Mena), Al Kass (Qatar) and beIN (Qatar) will transmit the full weekend of racing, with the latter two networks having significant on-course presence with talent. Al Rayyan (Qatar) will add commentary and enhanced production on the Sunday for their viewers.

The Japanese contenders will carry on their chase for an elusive first Arc win for the country with Shin Emperor headlining their field. As a result, Fuji TV, The Green Channel and AbemaTV will provide significant exposure for this region.

Reuters and SNTV will distribute content to news outlets and Sport24 will broadcast the Golden Hour on airlines and cruise lines. TransWorld Sports will include the race in their monthly magazine show.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “France Galop’s continual hard work and investment into the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is richly rewarded with a comprehensive global distribution.

“This strong distribution is the result of the Arc’s inclusion in the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 18 of the best horse racing events in the world. This collaboration of premium international horse racing has seen the introduction of eight first time broadcasters and a total 37 media channels all providing significant exposure across multiple linear and digital networks.”

Delphine Violette, Director Commercial and Marketing for France Galop, said: “France Galop is delighted to note the growing international exposure of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, one of the world's greatest races. This success with international broadcasters and television viewers rewards the work of France Galop's teams in organizing this event, and the collaboration with HBA that began in 2022.”

Ends

JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES TO BE SHOWN IN 140 COUNTRIES

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:39:26 GMT

JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES SECURES GLOBAL RECOGNITION IN 140 COUNTRIES AND 37 BROADCASTERS

This week’s £6.8m Sky Bet Ebor Festival will be available to watch in 140 countries this week via a record total of 37 broadcasters.

York racecourse, working with Racecourse Media Group and its appointed distribution agency, HBA Media, have secured the likes of US network Fox Sports, SportsNet in Canada, ESPN and Disney + in South America and Caribbean, and SuperSport in Africa.

The presence of Durezza in the feature £1.25m Juddmonte International Stakes has ensured coverage via the country’s dedicated horseracing channel, Green Channel, and, with the first three days of the Festival open for betting via the World Pool, Hong Kong will be served by HKJC TV, Cable TV, Now TV and TVB.

NTV and Transvision will air action to its audiences in Mongolia and Indonesia for the first time, while Australia will be well catered for by Sky Thoroughbred Racing Central and racing.com, the Middle East via Dubai Racing Channel, India through Sony Pictures, while Europe will be covered by the likes of Setanta, Viaplay, Polsat and Eurovision.

Wednesday’s coverage is also available to view on selected cruise ships via Anuvu. Closer to home, ITV, Virgin Media and Racing TV will broadcast from the track in UK and Ireland.

The Sky Bet Ebor Festival is a feature of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 18 of the best horseracing events in the world, all evenly spaced throughout the year. Broadcasters can elect to take the full world feed (produced by ITV) or the CJR ‘Golden Hour’ (produced by ITV, Racecourse Media Group and HBA Media) around the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes on Wednesday 21st August (3pm to 4pm BST). The CJR promo can be viewed here and the CJR Fantasy game is free to play at https://fantasy.crownjewelsracing.com .

Ends

QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL TO ENJOY RECORD TV EXPOSURE VIA 32 BROADCASTERS

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:14:27 GMT

QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL TO ENJOY RECORD TV EXPOSURE VIA 32 BROADCASTERS

The Qatar “Glorious” Goodwood Festival, which starts on Tuesday July 30, will enjoy unprecedented TV exposure from the likes of Fox Sports in the US, ESPN / Disney + in South America and Caribbean, and SuperSport in Africa.

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media (HBA), working with Goodwood Racecourse, have ensured that the Festival, which features three Group 1 races, will be available to watch in more than 180 countries.

ESPN / Disney + and SuperSport are taking the full festival for the first time – on the back of taking just Sussex Stakes day last year – while first-time broadcasters include Racing.com (Australia) Sportsnet (Canada), Transvision (Indonesia), NTV (Mongolia) and Eurovision (Europe).

Audiences in UK and Ireland will be served by ITV, Virgin Media, Racing TV, while the Far East will enjoy coverage via Green Channel (Japan) and HKJC, Cable TV, TVB and Now TV (Hong Kong).

Broadcast crews from Fanduel (US), Sky Racing (Australia), HKJC (Hong Kong) and Al Kass (Qatar) will be course to bring live coverage from the Sussex Downs, in the south of England.

Clerk of the Course and Director of International Racing at Goodwood Racecourse, Ed Arkell, said: "The Qatar Goodwood Festival is now firmly embedded as one of the major events on the international racing calendar – and global TV exposure is pivotal to this. We are delighted for the record exposure garnered by RMG and HBA Media and that more countries than ever before will be able to see what is sure to be a terrific week of racing.”

Sussex Stakes day is a feature of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 18 of the best horseracing events in the world, all evenly spaced throughout the year. Broadcasters can elect to take the full 2.5-hour world feed (produced by ITV) or the CJR ‘Golden Hour’ (produced by ITV, Racecourse Media Group and HBA Media) around the Group 1 Sussex Stakes on Wednesday (3pm to 4pm BST). The CJR promo can be viewed here and the CJR Fantasy game is free to play at https://fantasy.crownjewelsracing.com .

Ends

The world is watching Royal Ascot

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:46:05 GMT

Over 30 broadcasters to showcase Royal Ascot across 180 territories and six continents
Ascot commission ‘Queens of the Turf’ documentary to provide additional content for broadcasters

The 2024 Royal Meeting, taking place from Tuesday 18 ^th June to Saturday 22 ^nd June, is set to be carried by over 30 broadcasters showcasing the event in 180 territories – seeing the reach and interest of Royal Ascot magnify once again.

A jewel in the crown of international horse racing year-on-year has attracted significant broadcaster interest, with HBA Media delivering widespread coverage on behalf of Ascot Racecourse.

A strong international challenge is expected with a powerful contingent from France including Facteur Cheval, Horizon Dore and Ramatuelle all likely to travel to Royal Ascot. Meanwhile as many as six US trainers are expected to send runners, including a clutch of Wesley Ward two-year-olds and Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes winner Gabaldon.

In celebration of the uniquely level playing field of horse racing, Ascot has commissioned a special 24-minute feature titled Queens of the Turf, starring Hollie Doyle, Hayley Turner, Gay Kelleway and Laura Pearson – all Royal Ascot winning jockeys.

Produced by Filmnova and involving an all-female crew, the short documentary is presented by ITV presenter Francesca Cumani and captures the former challenges lady jockeys encountered to the modern-day opportunities and female success within the sport. Queens of the Turf will be available to international broadcasters, most notably on W-sport who solely champion women’s sport and marks their first piece of horse racing content. It will also be streamed on Ascot digital platforms in the lead up to the Royal Meeting. This will be complemented by a suite of promotional material delivered throughout the week.

Content packages available to broadcasters:

· Daily five-hour coverage of ITV Racing’s World Feed, which includes the full 35-race card taking place across the week. In addition, the World Feed will be executively produced and enhanced by Ascot Racecourse and HBA Media to provide broadcasters with continuous coverage across the Royal Meeting.

· The Golden Hour – a bespoke one-hour live show that provides international viewers with the best of the action and lifestyle on Gold Cup Day (Thursday). Presented by Tom Stanley and Michelle Yu, the programme will celebrate all aspects of this year’s Royal Meeting through a distinctly international lens.

· Queens of the Turf – a 24-minute all-women documentary starring Hollie Doyle, Hayley Turner, Gay Kelleway and Laura Pearson, presented by Francesca Cumani.

Distribution:

In their eighth year as the host broadcaster, ITV Racing will present their award-winning coverage live from Ascot Racecourse in daily five-hour programmes from Tuesday 18 ^th June to Saturday 22 ^nd June streamed on ITV and ITV4. Sky Sports Racing and Virgin Media reinforce the UK and Irish audience offering with additional coverage.

In the US, NBC and Peacock will showcase the Royal Meeting across their linear and digital channels, as well as providing an on-course presence. Fans across Latin and South America can watch all the action courtesy of ESPN with SportsMax providing additional coverage in the Caribbean. In Canada, Rogers have acquired the rights for the first time, bringing the Royal Meeting to a wide audience on SportsNet.

Channel 9, Australia’s leading sports broadcaster will air the Golden Hour with Racing.com set to showcase the full Royal Meeting, alongside Sky Thoroughbred Central and Entain (AUS and NZ) also catering for the Oceanic audience.

European coverage will be complemented by returning broadcasters RAI (Italy), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), Polsat (Poland), CYTA (Cyprus), WeDoTV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) and Silknet (Georgia). Viaplay will give coverage across Scandinavia, as well as

incorporating dedicated Dutch commentary for fans in the Netherlands.

TransVision will bring coverage to fans in Indonesia with NTV (Mongolia) being a newcomer to the sport and reinforcing the Asian reach alongside Sony Pictures Network (Indian Subcontinent).

Additionally, for 2024 horse racing fans from 20 dark market territories will be able to watch Royal Ascot through a partnership with EBU, who will showcase the entire five-days live and free-to-air on the digital streaming platform Eurovision Sport.

Elsewhere SuperSport have renewed their deal to bring the races across 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. DMI and Al Kass will service 19 countries across the MENA region, while The Green Channel will cover the event for Japanese fans.

BBC HD Maritime will make sure the full Royal Meeting is available on Anuvu cruise ships. In the skies and seas, Sport24 will also broadcast the Royal Ascot Golden Hour to 11 airlines and 18 cruise ships worldwide. Once again Reuters will distribute the full event to their wide networks of news outlets.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said: “We are delighted to have extended our working relationship with Ascot Racecourse for a further four years (2024 – 2027) and are immensely proud of the distribution achieved for the Royal Meeting.

“Championed by HBA, the enhanced World Feed and the co-produced Golden Hour now befits the international audience and the commission of Queens of the Turf documentary ensures that Royal Ascot is the jewel in the racing calendar for their broadcast partners.

Felicity Barnard, Commercial Director and Deputy Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse, added:

“It is fantastic to see the interest and engagement in Royal Ascot continue to grow to record levels. The global nature of the meeting is so important, and we are thrilled that there is such a wide range of broadcasters planning to showcase the week once again. From world-class racing to unique, behind-the-scenes content, we look forward to ensuring the millions watching around the world enjoy another memorable Royal Meeting.”

Ends

EPSOM DOWNS NEWS: 2024 BETFRED DERBY TO BE SHOWN LIVE BY A RECORD 36 BROADCASTERS

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 29 May 2024 13:41:33 GMT

EPSOM DOWNS NEWS: 2024 BETFRED DERBY TO BE SHOWN LIVE BY A RECORD 36 BROADCASTERS

A record 36 broadcasters will showcase the world’s greatest Flat race, the Betfred Derby, at Epsom Downs Racecourse this Saturday (June 1 ^st ).

Racecourse Media Group – working closely with Jockey Club Racecourses (which owns and operates Epsom Downs Racecourse) and its appointed media distribution agency, HBA Media – has achieved unprecedented interest, with television viewers in more than 160 territories able to watch the iconic race, which offers more than £850,000 to the winning connections.

There is an increase of 11 new live broadcasters on last year, including Sportsnet, the leading sports channel in Canada, Transvision (Indonesia), NTV (Mongolia), Racing.com and Entain (Australia), and Sport 24 and Anuvu (airlines and cruiselines).

Pan-European coverage has been secured through another first-time deal with Eurovision Sport OTT platform, which will show the full World Feed in 20 new European territories.

On-site broadcasters include leading US racing channel Fanduel, Sky Racing Thoroughbred Central from Australia, and the Dubai Racing Channel, as well as domestic channels ITV and Racing TV.

Audiences in the rest of Europe (Virgin Media, Viaplay, Setanta, Equidia, Polsat, SilkNet, Wedo TV) Africa (SuperSport, Racing 240, Gallop TV), Japan (Green Channel), Hong Kong (HKJC, Cable TV, TVB, Now TV), and Latin American and Caribbean (ESPN / Star +, SportsMax) will also be well served with live coverage. Focus will be kept on the Betfred Derby via news syndication deals with Reuters and SNTV.

There are 41 broadcasters in total lined up to take coverage, including CNN International, which has scheduled in a slot for a highlights package on its World Sport programme for Saturday evening, while the mainstay of sports magazine programmes, Trans World Sports, will include the race in their monthly show. SPN (Sony) will show a one-hour programme on delay to its substantial audience in the Indian subcontinent.

Tom Sammes, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “The Betfred Derby is the most famous and iconic Flat race in the world so it’s fantastic that a record number of international broadcasters will be showing this year’s renewal.

“While there is nowhere quite like Epsom Downs to watch the action and enjoy the carnival atmosphere this weekend, we’re delighted that racing fans all over the globe will be able to see a new champion crowned this Saturday.”

The Betfred Derby is a feature of the Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) broadcast package, which showcases 18 of the best horseracing events in the world, all evenly-spaced throughout the year. Broadcasters can elect to take the CJR ‘Golden Hour’ (produced by ITV, Racecourse Media Group and HBA Media) or the full 3.5-hour world feed produced by ITV. The CJR promo can be viewed here and the CJR Fantasy game is free to play at https://fantasy.crownjewelsracing.com .

Ends

150th RUNNING OF KENTUCKY DERBY TO ENJOY RECORD GLOBAL AUDIENCE

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 02 May 2024 10:04:12 GMT

150 ^th RUNNING OF KENTUCKY DERBY TO ENJOY RECORD GLOBAL AUDIENCE

14 first-time broadcasters to showcase the event in 170 territories

This Saturday’s (4th May) Kentucky Derby™ presented by Woodford Reserve, is rightfully considered ‘the most exciting two minutes in sports’ where the most promising three-year-old thoroughbreds come together to compete for a $5 million purse.

Celebrating its 150 ^th anniversary at Churchill Downs Racetrack, this monumental occasion, which marks the first leg of the US Triple Crown, has secured global recognition with more broadcasters than ever before showcasing coverage of the event.

NBCU and HBA have worked closely on the international media rights distribution to attain unprecedented global coverage for the Kentucky Derby with 21 broadcast outlets, plus various news agencies, reaching over 170 territories.

Host broadcaster NBC will be live and on course with Nick Luck and Britney Eurton at the helm of a multi-hour broadcast on their network channel for millions of fans in the US, (18:30 – 23:30 GMT) of which two hours thirty minutes will be dedicated to the feature race.

Audiences in South America will continue to be serviced by ESPN, who have extended their exclusive agreement which covers Australia, Caribbean and New Zealand.

Amplified by the 150 ^th celebrations, the Kentucky Derby has attracted numerous first-time broadcasters, who will be transmitting live racing coverage. In Canada, Rogers have acquired the rights to bring the race to a huge audience on its free to air network - Citytv. Audiences in the UK can watch on Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing (UK and Ireland). Long-term racing supporters Virgin Media will broadcast the event in Ireland once again, and SuperSport have renewed their deal to bring the event to 48 territories across sub-Saharan Africa.

New in 2024, horse racing fans will be able to watch the Kentucky Derby in over 47 territories through EuroVision who have committed to a schedule of elite international racing. Strong European distribution is supported by S Sport (Turkey), Polsat (Poland), CYTA (Cyprus), WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Silknet (Georgia) and Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia). TransVision (Indonesia), NTV (Mongolia) and Sony Pictures Network (Indian Subcontinent) will debut the race in Asia.

News agencies Reuters and SNTV will distribute the coverage around the globe, while TransWorld Sport - the popular long-running sports magazine show – will feature the Kentucky Derby for its upcoming global programme. Sport24 will also make the race available on 12 airlines and 18 cruise ships worldwide.

Patrick Troutman, VP at Churchill Downs, adds: “The Kentucky Derby has long been a global brand with international appeal. We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring all the thrills of the milestone 150 ^th Run for the Roses to our fans around the world.”

“We are excited to bring our best-in-class production to the largest group of international partners ever for this milestone 150 ^th Kentucky Derby,” said Gary Quinn, NBC Sports Vice President of Programming and General Manager of Owned Properties.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “We are delighted to have secured several new broadcasters for the much-anticipated Kentucky Derby.

“The extensive worldwide audience are set to witness the most spectacular celebrations that mark the 150 ^th running and will get the opportunity to enjoy one of the greatest US sporting.”

Ends

Crown Jewels Racing to be showcased on Eurovision Sport - bringing elite horse racing to new audiences across Europe

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 15:24:57 GMT

Crown Jewels Racing to be showcased on Eurovision Sport - bringing elite horse racing to new audiences across Europ E

15 Crown Jewels Racing (CJR) events and five days of Royal Ascot to be broadcast on Eurovision Sport
New agreement sees the Randox Grand National gain exposure in 19 new territories, reinforcing its status as the world’s most famous jump race

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has signed a new one-year agreement with HBA Media to bring horse racing’s Crown Jewels Racing events to Eurovision Sport in select European markets.

The broadcast deal, which starts this Saturday (13 April) with the Randox Grand National, will see the world’s most famous jump race gain additional international exposure in 19 new territories – reinforcing its status as the most-watched jump race on the planet.

The full EBU media rights agreement incorporates 15 CJR events and five days of Royal Ascot (18 – 22 June).

All the races will be shown live and free-to-air on the EBU’s new digital streaming platform – Eurovision Sport . The platform complements the coverage provided by its public service media members, democratizing access to sport.

Glen Killane, Executive Director of the European Broadcasting Union, added: “I am thrilled to welcome the fast-paced sport of horse racing to our dynamic platform. This partnership with HBA Media marks a significant milestone in our journey, bringing the tradition and excitement of horse racing into homes across Europe. We are particularly excited about the upcoming Randox Grand National this weekend, a historic event that captures the imagination and spirit of sports enthusiasts everywhere. Our commitment to delivering free-to-air, high-quality streaming experiences ensures that fans will not miss a moment of the action.”

HBA Media, who represent the international racecourses and federations including Ascot Racecourse and Racecourse Media Group, has welcomed this new partnership which sees non-exclusive live and delayed digital OTT horse racing coverage across Europe, including France and Spain.

Davy Turner, Head of Sales and Development, added: “HBA strives to secure horse racing with the widest global audience possible and this new agreement does just that.

“Our pairing with Eurovision Sport will provide the CJR events with new eyes in territories currently untapped for horse racing, from which we will endeavour to capitalise on fresh opportunities for the sport. On behalf of our clients and the racecourse that we represent, we welcome new initiatives and look forward to working with the EBU.”

Ends

Press contacts: Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

THE WORLD TUNES IN FOR DUBAI WORLD CUP HORSERACING FIXTURE

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:40:06 GMT

The world tunes in for dubai world cup horseracing fixture

40 broadcasters confirmed for world’s richest day of racing

The US$30.5million Dubai World Cup horseracing fixture at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, March 30 will be seen in around 150 countries in all corners of the globe.

There are a staggering 33 individual Group / Grade 1 winners entered across the eight thoroughbred races, headlined by the US$12m Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

The showpiece could be one of the races of 2024, with defending champion n Ushba Tesoro, Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador and Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Derma Sotogake among the line-up.

The Kazakhstan-owned sensation Kabirkhan, winner of the Group 1 Maktoum Challenge in January, adds real intrigue, attracting a huge following in his homeland, so much so that Qazsport, the leading Kazakh sports channel, will be on-site to broadcast his challenge.

Dubai Racing Club, working with its appointed distribution and production company, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and RMG’s agency HBA Media, have secured some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting. RMG, in conjunction with Timeline TV, is providing all broadcast services for Dubai Racing Club, including the World Feed programme, hosted by Nick Luck, acknowledged as the world’s leading horseracing broadcaster.

Another first-time broadcaster is Saudi Sports Channel, who will also be on-site, as will Dubai Racing Channel and Yas TV (Abu Dhabi). Other major broadcasters include Fox Sports in the US, ESPN / Star+ in South America, SuperSport in Africa and Viaplay in Europe.

EuroVision Sport, the EBU’s new digital platform, will broadcast the full World Feed for the first time in select markets across Europe, ensuring pan-regional coverage for the event.

The Shahid platform, part of the MBC Group family, provides live coverage of the Dubai World Cup evening to its extensive audience across the Arab world and Europe. Additionally, Shahid offers a “video on demand” (VOD) service, a pioneering feature in the Arab region.

Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club, said “We are hugely excited about the 2024 Dubai World Cup which is the 28 ^th running of this great event.

“Horses from 14 countries will compete across the nine races, ensuring global interest and media coverage. We have also received more than 400 media accreditation applications, further showing the interest in the meeting among race fans.”

Seb Vance, Director of International TV Distribution at RMG, said: “This year’s fixture, given the wealth of top-class performers from all around the world, has really caught the imagination of broadcasters. Working with our distribution agency, HBA Media, we are delighted that wherever you are located in the world, the Dubai World Cup fixture is almost certain to be on a screen near you.

“We are proud to be providing the Dubai Racing Club’s television and production services for the ninth consecutive season. Everyone at RMG thoroughly enjoys working with Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab and his team. We are very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing this hugely valued relationship.”

Sport 24 will make the broadcast available to selected airlines, including title sponsor, Emirates Airline, for those in the skies, while Global Eagle will do the same for selected cruise lines for those on the seas. CNN Worldwide, which reaches more than 347 million households, is covering the race for its World Sport programme and Reuters and SNTV will distribute highlights to news outlets.

Broadcasters covering the Dubai World Cup fixture include:

Asia and Australia: Green Channel, Fuji TV, Netkeiba (Japan); TVB, Cable, Now TV, HKJC TV (Hong Kong); STC TV (Singapore); Sony Network (Indian subcontinent); Sky Thoroughbred Central, Entain, (Australia); Entain, (Australia and New Zealand); Trackside (New Zealand); Transvision (Indonesia)

Africa and Middle East: Dubai Racing Channel; Saudi Sports Channel; Yas TV (MENA); and SuperSport, Racing 240 (Africa)

Americas and Caribbean: Fox Sports, Fanduel, NYRA (US); HPI (Canada); ESPN / Star+ (South America and Caribbean); and SportsMax (Caribbean)

Europe: Equidia (France); Match TV (Russia); Polsat (Poland); Qazsport (Kazakhstan); Racing TV (UK, Republic of Ireland); Setanta (Eurasia and Baltics); SilkNet (Georgia); TJK TV (Turkey); Viaplay (pan Europe); Virgin Media (Republic of Ireland); and WeDo (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

News and Magazine programming (all global): CNN International, Reuters, SNTV and TransWorld Sports.

Ends

Press contacts: Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

HBA Media strikes new gamification partnership with Genius Sports to launch first international horse racing fantasy game

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:37:19 GMT

HBA Media strikes new gamification partnership with Genius Sports to launch first international horse racing fantasy game

New ‘Crown Jewels Racing’ fantasy game launched to consolidate global horse racing calendar
Game available for premium international races including the Dubai World Cup, Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Breeders’ Cup and Melbourne Cup
HBA Media to promote new game in international world feeds, supported by over 25 broadcasters

HBA Media today announces a new partnership with Genius Sports to launch ‘Crown Jewels Racing Fantasy’ (“CJRFantasy”) - the first international horse racing fantasy game.

As the established leader in the international distribution of horse racing media rights, HBA Media works with broadcasters worldwide representing renowned races including Royal Ascot, the Saudi Cup, the Breeders’ Cup, Hong Kong Jockey Club, as well as premium UK horse racing through HBA’s partnership with Racecourse Media Group.

CJRFantasy has been launched to help unify the global horse racing calendar, providing broadcasters and their fans around the world with a new platform to enhance their knowledge, compete with family and friends, and engage with the world’s most prestigious races.

For each race, players must select three horses, designating who will finish first, second and third. Double points will be assigned to one horse chosen as captain, while players must also answer a tie-breaker question on the winning distances. Each horse is assigned an XP where the lower their score, the more likely the horse is to win the upcoming race. Horses with higher XP who win will deliver more points, encouraging players to select from the full field.

HBA Media will promote the new CJRFantasy game through the international broadcast feed across the calendar year, connecting their gamification strategy with millions of horse racing fans worldwide. On-air graphics will encourage and engage viewers in the joys of the CJRFantasy game, which offers unique raceday experiences and VIP merchandise as prizes. In addition, on-screen talent and ambassadors that include horse racing’s finest Nick Luck, Michelle Yu, Tom Stanley and Frankie Foster will also host their own competitive leagues, enabling viewers to take on the professionals.

CJRFantasy is powered by Genius Sports - a global leader in building highly interactive and engaging fantasy, trivia and predictor tools for the NFL, FIFA, World Rugby, European Tour and MLB.

Frank Sale, Managing Director for HBA Media, said: “We are continually looking for innovative and exciting ways to promote, engage and connect with new and existing audiences. Working in partnership with Genius Sports has enabled us to provide our clients (racecourses, federations and broadcasters) with a powerful and entertaining interactive tool.

“We are delighted to be able to launch CJRFantasy for the prestigious Dubai World Cup this Saturday.”

Judd Goldstein, Global Commercial Lead, Fan Engagement at Genius Sports, said: “HBA Media plays a central role at the heart of the global horse racing ecosystem, and we’re thrilled to be helping them directly connect with fans around the world. CJRFantasy will bring the world’s showcase horse races into one connected free-to-play gaming destination, allowing horse racing fans to engage with the sport like never before.”

Ends

Press contacts: Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

The Saudi Cup secures high-volume international coverage for its fifth consecutive year

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:47:05 GMT

The Saudi Cup secures high-volume international coverage for its fifth consecutive year

The Saudi Cup 2024 – the world’s most valuable horse race - will be shown live by over 30 broadcasters with a reach that targets all corners of the globe for the $20 million contest.

Now entering its fifth year, the Group 1 Saudi Cup is established as one of horse racing’s premium international events. This is reflected by the growing list of major linear and OTT broadcasters who will access an array of media packages.

The IMG-produced World Feed will be presented by Nick Luck and Michelle Yu and document the full Saturday card, with six Group races and a staggering $33.5million total prize money. The event will conclude with a 60-minute ‘Golden Hour’ programme that focuses on the cultural and sporting elements of the Saudi Cup.

The 2024 Saudi Cup has attracted a stellar line up with 14 international contenders representing America, Japan, UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Last year’s Breeders’ Cup hero, White Abarrio, leads the field for the five US contenders. Drawn on the rail for the G1 $20 million contest trainer Rich Dutrow is confident that the early 3/1 favourite is ready to have fun!

The 2024 Saudi Cup audience comprises of over 30 international broadcasters with the headlining agreements as follows:

Fox Sports maintain their commitment to international racing by showcasing the Golden Hour with the full undercard also available to American fans on Fanduel TV.
Saudi Sports Channels (SSC) return and will televise Friday and Saturday’s action throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Racing TV and Virgin Media lead the field of 11 European broadcasters with the former screening the Friday and Saturday racedays supported by an extensive marketing campaign.
The Saudi Cup will enjoy comprehensive airtime across Latin America courtesy of ESPN , with the broadcast being leveraged on their linear channels in 50 territories as well as being accessible pan-regionally on their digital platform Star+.
Sony Pictures Networks have retained their broadcast agreement which provides the Saudi Cup with a 700 million reach across India and the wider subcontinent.
SuperSport will broadcast the entire Saturday racecard as well as the International Jockey’s Challenge on Friday, in support of South African female jockey Rachel Venniker.
Dubai Racing Channel will broadcast both days of the Saudi Cup, with dual language programming in the UK and Arabic.
TransVision will showcase the event in Indonesia for the first time as they commit to the Crown Jewels Racing package to bring the event to new audiences.

The full list of Saudi Cup broadcasters include:

North and South America, plus the Caribbean: Fox Sports (US), FanDuel TV (US), SportsMax (Caribbean), ESPN (Caribbean and Latin America) and Star+ (Latin America)

Europe: Racing TV (UK), Virgin Media (Ireland), RAI (Italy), Polsat (Poland), Equidia (France), Viaplay (Netherlands and Scandinavia), Silknet (Georgia), TV3 (Denmark), CYTA (Cyprus) and WeDoTV (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), VSports+ (Norway)

Asia Pacific: Green Channel (Japan), Wasu.TV (China), Sony Pictures Networks (India), NTV (Mongolia), TransVision (Indonesia), Sky Channel (Australia) and Entain (Australia and New Zealand)

Africa and MENA: DMI (Dubai), Saudi Sports Channel (KSA) and SuperSport (South Africa)

Global, News and Highlight outlets: Sport24, SNTV and Reuters.

Chris Bevan, Chief Commercial Officer for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said: “We are delighted that the Saudi Cup has become firmly established as a major international race weekend. Both the volume and quality of our international broadcaster partnerships reflects our rising profile on the world stage.

“HBA Media play a pivotal role in the global awareness of the Saudi Cup and together we aim provide sporting fans with an exciting and entertaining product.”

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “The Saudi Cup racecard has attracted a stellar line-up from all around the world. This is mirrored in broadcast with over 30 international outlets and major sports networks showcasing the competitive card across some 170 territories.

“It is a privilege to work in partnership with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and to witness firsthand the growth and passion for horse racing within the region. Our long-term association with the Saudi Cup (since inception) enables HBA Media to achieve the best commercial returns for the federation and we look forward to assisting with this sporting spectacle moving forward.”

Ends

Press contacts: Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

Dashing to Miami!

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:34:39 GMT

Pegasus World Cup kickstarts 2024 racing season with improved global distribution

European riders Dettori, Moore, Murphy and Egan target the $3 million international contest

This year’s Pegasus World Cup presented by Baccarat (G1) has attracted the strongest cohort of jockeys with Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore, Oisin Murphy and David Egan joining Gulfstream Park for the championship meeting.

Held in Miami on Saturday, 27th January, the $5.3 million raceday features seven graded contests culminating with the $3 million Pegasus World Cup. Celebrating its eighth year as the US’s premier entertainment and horse racing event, 1/ST have excelled in redefining the sporting experience with the recruitment of Grammy award-winning Scottish DJ and record producer, Calvin Harris to perform after racing.

The on-course action will be available to watch in over 135 territories through broadcast distribution courtesy of HBA Media. Global audiences will receive a 90-minute bespoke on-air package live at 16:30 local time / 21:30 – 23:00 GMT.

The headlining broadcast agreements for the Pegasus World Cup are:

Virgin Media maintain their commitment to international racing by bringing the event to their linear channels in Ireland.
Viaplay will broadcast the event across eight territories in Scandinavia, the Baltics and the Netherlands.
Audiences across Central and South America can cheer on contenders via ESPN Latam available in 50 territories.
WeDoSports will show the event on their digital channel to audiences in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Sony Pictures Networks have retained their broadcast agreement which provides the Pegasus World Cup with a 700 million audience across India and the wider subcontinent.
Global Eagle will debut the raceday to its cruise ship clients to ensure visibility across the seas.
Sport24 will make available the US event to 11 international airlines from Emirates to Etihad; and Singapore Airways.

A further collection of networks will showcase the 2024 Pegasus World Cup presented by Baccarat. Alongside the host broadcaster, NBC (USA), international coverage includes:

Polsat (Poland)
SilkNet (Georgia)
SuperSport (Africa)
SportsMax (Caribbean)
Entain (Australia)
Wasu.tv (China)
FanCode (India)
TransVision (Indonesia).

America’s latest recruit, legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, has secured eight rides on Pegasus World Cup raceday and rides Crupi for local trainer Todd Plether in the principal race. The trainer reports that the talented four-year old, who has won three of his last four outings, is putting it all together after showing immaturity early in his career.

Frankie Dettori adds: “I love the Pegasus World Cup meeting – it’s where my international chapter formed following on last year’s experience. In 2023, I came out here (States) to enjoy the winter and loved every minute of it and when I kept winning back home (in the UK), I knew I wasn’t ready to retire and needed a new challenge. This weekend marks a month of being a US-based jockey and I hope to capitalise on the main stage this Saturday.”

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said:

“It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with the innovative team at 1/ST. We are delighted that the Pegasus World Cup, confidently labelled America’s most fashionable raceday, continues to grow international audiences on and off the track.”

Gregg Colvin, Chief Executive Officer of Content, 1/ST, added:

“We are thrilled, to be working again with HBA for our international distribution. This has been our strongest year ever with more countries across the globe getting access to this unique horse racing event.

“With great racing and large fields sizes, coupled with the right mix of music, fashion and entertainment, we are excited to showcase how Pegasus World Cup has cemented itself as the premier luxury sporting event that only 1/ST can bring.”

ENDS

Press contacts: Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

About 1/ST

The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment, media, content and real estate development company with Thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. The company's consumer facing brand 1/ST (pronounced "First") powers The Stronach Group's forward-thinking 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST EXPERIENCE and 1/ST PROPERTIES businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group's continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred horse racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class horse racing operations and gaming offerings at the company's premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series, Gulfstream Park West and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course - home of the legendary Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST's media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horse racing's largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through innovative content development, elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and procurement development. 1/ST PROPERTIES is responsible for the development of the company's live, work and play communities surrounding its racing venues including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland). As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group's commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred horse racing on and off the track. For more information, please visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook.

About HBA Media:

HBA Media provide multiple live international horseracing packages to broadcasters as well as umbrella deals which include the co-ordination of programme delivery, daily management and troubleshooting.
HBA Media’s aim is to reposition horseracing to be competitive with the likes of football, rugby, and cricket in the world of sports broadcasting.
HBA Media is proud to work with a whole host of prestigious racing federations and major global networks including Ascot Racecourse Limited, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, France Galop, Eurosport, Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media, TVG, The Japan Racing Association, Singapore Turf Club, The German Jockey Club, The German Tote, Italian Racing, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, NYRA, The New Zealand Racing Board, Racecourse Media Group, The Stronach Group, Breeders' Cup, Phumelea Gaming, the Saudi Cup and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

HBA Media concludes the year with impressive uplift in global coverage for Hong Kong International Races

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:26:33 GMT

Sunday, 10th December marks the final premier race day within the 2023 calendar - The Longines Hong Kong International Races - at Sha Tin Racecourse, which has benefitted from increased international exposure courtesy of HBA Media (HBA).

HBA and the Hong Kong Jockey Club entered into a three-year agreement earlier this year to incorporate its principal fixtures into HBA’s well-established portfolio of international horse racing media rights.

Competitors from 12 different countries will be battling it out across the card, culminating in four elite Group 1 races which have a record US$15.1 million on offer. The truly global nature of the contest has been underlined by its media rights distribution. FOX Sports will showcase the races live in the US for the first time, with a further 10 major sports networks broadcasting the Group 1 racing to ensure reach across every continent.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Hong Kong Jockey Club to attain widespread global distribution for this most prestigious of events. The Longines Hong Kong International Races are the concluding fixture in our Crown Jewels Racing portfolio and a superb way for our broadcasters to end a busy season of elite international racing.

“2023 has been a rewarding period for us and we look forward to working with our clients to take the global distribution of the sport further in 2024.”

Full Distribution:

Americas: FOX Sports (USA), ESPN (Central and South America), SportsMax (Caribbean)
Europe: Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Virgin Media (Ireland), Silknet (Georgia), WeDo
Sports (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)
Asia: FanCode (India), TransVision (Indonesia), SPN (Indian Subcontinent)
Africa: SuperSport
Global: Anuvu (Cruise Ships), Reuters (Global News)

ENDS

Press contacts: Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

About HBA Media:

HBA Media provide multiple live international horseracing packages to broadcasters as well as umbrella deals which include the co-ordination of programme delivery, daily management and troubleshooting.
HBA Media’s aim is to reposition horseracing to be competitive with the likes of football, rugby, and cricket in the world of sports broadcasting.
HBA Media is proud to work with a whole host of prestigious racing federations and major global networks including: Ascot Racecourse Limited and the Royal Meeting, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and The Saudi Cup, France Galop and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media, The Japan Racing Association, Singapore Turf Club, Victoria Racing Club and the Melbourne Cup, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and their Group 1 race days, Racecourse Media Group, The Stronach Group / 1st and the Pegasus World Cup, Breeders' Cup, NBCU, NYRA and the Triple Crown.

Ascot Racecourse extend HBA Media partnership with a renewed four-year international media rights agreement

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:21:44 GMT

Ascot Racecourse and HBA Media (HBA) have extended their international media and distribution rights agreement with a newly awarded four-year-term.

The deal will run from January 2024 till the end of 2027 and includes all five days of the world-famous Royal Meeting. The agreement also covers the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes and the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, as well as all Flat and Jumps fixtures held at Ascot Racecourse.

HBA has distributed Ascot’s international media rights since 2020. This year, the Royal Meeting benefited from increased global exposure with a combined total of 25 international broadcasters airing coverage across 176 territories. HBA and Ascot Racecourse also worked collaboratively on the Royal Ascot Golden Hour, a bespoke international live programme around the Gold Cup during the Royal Meeting, with HBA also advising on additional World Feed production.

Royal Ascot and Ascot’s other principal racedays feature strongly within HBA’s portfolio of premier international horse racing. HBA also hold partnerships with RMG across British, Irish and selected international racing, as well as the Breeders’ Cup, Victoria Racing Club, France Galop, Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), 1/ST Group, Hong Kong Jockey Club and US Triple Crown rights holders NBCU and FOX Sports to offer broadcasters access to the sport’s finest events within one elite package.

Henry Birtles, CEO of HBA Media, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have renewed our partnership with Ascot Racecourse. Over the course of the last four years, we have grown the global distribution of Ascot’s prestigious events, culminating in a record number of international broadcasters for the 2023 Royal Meeting.

“Alongside our distribution, we are looking forward to continuing our excellent collaboration with Ascot on their world-class production across their fixtures. Broadcasters are now benefiting from enhanced World Feed programmes, bespoke international shows and an enviable slate of supporting content that showcases the sport of horse racing and the Ascot brand at its best.

“It is a great privilege for HBA Media to represent Ascot Racecourse, and we are honoured to extend our partnership so we can uphold the global visibility and commercial value of its races in the coming years.”

Felicity Barnard, Deputy CEO and Commercial Director at Ascot Racecourse, added: “We are delighted to extend our agreement with HBA Media for another four years and look forward to working closely with hem throughout that time to showcase Ascot to the world. The reach for Royal Ascot in particular continues to grow and we are excited to build on the success of the Golden Hour to offer international broadcasters more bespoke content.”

ENDS

Press contacts:

Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

Nick Smith / nick.smith@ascot.com / +44 (0) 7771 791 449

About HBA Media:

HBA Media provide multiple live international horseracing packages to broadcasters as well as umbrella deals which include the co-ordination of programme delivery, daily management and troubleshooting.
HBA Media’s aim is to reposition horseracing to be competitive with the likes of football, rugby, and cricket in the world of sports broadcasting.
HBA Media is proud to work with a whole host of prestigious racing federations and major global networks including: Ascot Racecourse Limited and the Royal Meeting, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and The Saudi Cup, France Galop and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media, The Japan Racing Association, Singapore Turf Club, Victoria Racing Club and the Melbourne Cup, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and their Group 1 race days, Racecourse Media Group, The Stronach Group / 1st and the Pegasus World Cup, Breeders' Cup, NBCU, NYRA and the Triple Crown.

Melbourne Cup Carnival secures sports-network coverage in every continent

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:16:57 GMT

The Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australia’s greatest horse racing festival, will be showcased by sports networks in every major continent for the first time.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup , known as ‘The Race that Stops a Nation’™, will headline the four-day meeting. Running on Tuesday 7th November, the $8.4m feature race takes place at Flemington Racecourse and will be presented by 25 broadcasters in over 209 countries and territories, with Victoria Racing Club (VRC) producing a bespoke world-feed for expectant audiences.

The VRC’s two-hour broadcast will have a distinct international focus, bringing the history of Australia’s greatest race and the stories of the strong international contenders to a global fanbase.

HBA Media (HBA), the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) dedicated global distribution agency, has further improved distribution for the wider Carnival days in 2023, with eight major networks showcasing all the action.

Distribution for the VRC’s international programmes for Penfolds Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, Kennedy Oaks Day and TAB Champions Stakes Day will be headlined by FOX Sports in the USA, bringing the Melbourne Cup Carnival to over 70 million American homes.

Closer to the host nation, new broadcasters TransVision (Indonesia), Premier Sports (South East Asia) and FanCode (India), will air the full Melbourne Cup Carnival for the first time to ensure comprehensive coverage across Asia. Sky Sports Racing (UK and Ireland), ESPN (South and Central America), SportsMax (Caribbean) and SuperSport (Africa) provide supplementary coverage of all four days, with DMI (MENA) continuing to showcase every race in the Middle East.

Full Coverage Details:

Australia and Asia: Network 10, Racing.com (Australia), ABC International (Pacific / SE Asia), TransVision (Indonesia), FanCode (India), Premier Sports (SE Asia), Sony Pictures Network (India and Indian Subcontinent), Fiji TV (Fiji), FBC (Fiji); Wasu.tv (China).

Europe: Sky Sports Racing (UK), Virgin Media (Ireland), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Polsat (Poland), Silknet (Georgia); Kanal 75 (Sweden).

Americas: FOX Sports (USA), ESPN (Central and South America), TSN (Canada); SportsMax (Caribbean).

MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa: DMI (MENA), SuperSport (Africa, 48 territories).

Global: Reuters (Global News Outlet), TransWorld Sports (Global Magazine Show), Sport24 (Airlines); Anuvu (Cruise Ships).

David Campbell, Executive General Manager VRC Media at Victoria Racing Club, said: “The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a truly global event highlighted by the jewel in the crown, the Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup,”

“Through our partnership with HBA Media it is fantastic to be able to deliver the broadcast into 209 countries and territories with a potential global reach of 750 million people.”

“This year we celebrate 30 years since Vintage Crop became the first internationally trained horse to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup and since that historic moment the VRC has been able to build our global footprint and ensure that the Melbourne Cup Carnival has a strong presence on the world stage.”

Henry Birtles, CEO at HBA Media, added: “We are delighted to have guaranteed the Lexus Melbourne Cup a global footprint that befits its status as one of the greatest occasions in sport, as well as improving the reach of the full Melbourne Cup Carnival. The VRC’s continued investment in live and on-demand international content is an invaluable asset, and we are delighted that a global audience will be able to experience the full Carnival in all its splendour.

“This year’s event marks a decade of partnership between HBA and the VRC, and we are indebted to them for their committed support. We are enormously proud to work on this incredible event, and to have played a part in ensuring further growth in the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s global distribution.”

ENDS

Press contact: Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

About HBA Media:

HBA Media provide multiple live international horseracing packages to broadcasters as well as umbrella deals which include the co-ordination of programme delivery, daily management and troubleshooting.
HBA Media’s aim is to reposition horseracing to be competitive with the likes of football, rugby, and cricket in the world of sports broadcasting.
HBA Media is proud to work with a whole host of prestigious racing federations and major global networks including Ascot Racecourse Limited, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, France Galop, Eurosport, Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media, TVG, The Japan Racing Association, Singapore Turf Club, The German Jockey Club, The German Tote, Italian Racing, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, NYRA, The New Zealand Racing Board, Racecourse Media Group, The Stronach Group, Breeders' Cup, Phumelela Gaming, the Saudi Cup and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Worldwide focus as Breeders' Cup celebrates 40 years of excellence

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:11:04 GMT

Celebrating its 40th year, the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, Calif on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th November. Reflecting the international nature of the event, an improved 23 networks will broadcast the event into every continent.

Coverage of all 14 champion races, which collectively boast $31 million in prize money and awards, will be produced by host broadcaster NBC . Five championship races, headlined by the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic and Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, will be showcased on the main NBC channel, with the full two-day card also available across Peacock, USA Network and FanDuel.

ITV will return stateside for their third consecutive year to provide free-to-air coverage for UK viewers. The UK audience will also be serviced by Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV , who will air every race.

HBA Media (HBA), the event’s dedicated global distribution agency, have also secured three renewed partnerships with ESPN who will broadcast both days throughout South America, OTT network FanCode in India and SuperSport across Africa. Virgin Media in Ireland will give both days extensive airtime as multiple Irish challengers take their chance.

HBA and Breeders’ Cup have continued their bespoke ‘Golden Hour’ production, which focuses on delivering the feature Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic to an international audience. This offering will be broadcast worldwide by WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland and Austria), Polsat (Poland), Racing.com (Australia), Sony Pictures Networks (India), Sport 24 (Global Airlines), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia) amongst others.

Full coverage details:

USA: NBC, Peacock, USA Networks, FanDuel.

South America and Caribbean: ESPN / Star + (Latin America), SportsMax (Caribbean).

Europe: ITV3, ITV4 (UK), Racing TV (UK & Ireland), Sky Sports Racing (UK & Ireland), Virgin Media (Ireland), Kanal 75 (Sweden), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Polsat (Poland), Silknet (Georgia), WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland, Austria).

Middle East and Africa: DMI (MENA), SuperSport (Africa).

Asia: FanCode (India), Sony Pictures Network (India and Indian Subcontinent), TransVision (Indonesia), Wasu.tv (China), Green Channel (Japan).

Australia / New Zealand: Entain, Racing.com.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “With the Breeders’ Cup reaching its 40th year, HBA is proud to have secured strong global distribution for this renowned event. As we move into a second decade of partnership with the Breeders’ Cup, to have more mainstream sports networks than ever before showcasing these prestigious races is very positive as we continue to re-position horse racing as an in-demand product within the sports broadcasting industry.”

Justin McDonald, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Breeders’ Cup, said: “International distribution remains a key focus of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s global year-end showcase. Thanks to our long-term partnership with HBA, fans on every continent can enjoy the action as the world’s best thoroughbreds put on an incredible show.”

ENDS

Press contact: Hannah Tufnell / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0) 7971 598 287

About HBA Media:

HBA Media provide multiple live international horseracing packages to broadcasters as well as umbrella deals which include the co-ordination of programme delivery, daily management and troubleshooting.
HBA Media’s aim is to reposition horseracing to be competitive with the likes of football, rugby, and cricket in the world of sports broadcasting.
HBA Media is proud to work with a whole host of prestigious racing federations and major global networks including Ascot Racecourse Limited, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, France Galop, Eurosport, Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media, TVG, The Japan Racing Association, Singapore Turf Club, The German Jockey Club, The German Tote, Italian Racing, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, NYRA, The New Zealand Racing Board, Racecourse Media Group, The Stronach Group, Breeders' Cup, Phumelela Gaming, the Saudi Cup and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe secures worldwide coverage

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 06:24:10 GMT

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (October 1st) has many headline stories with Frankie Dettori being the undisputed star of the international circuit. As the retiring jockey bids to add to his record six ‘Arc’ wins, 25 international broadcasters are poised to showcase the dramatic action.

In France, M6 will be on-site to do a bespoke broadcast around the €5,000,000 feature race. Strong domestic coverage will be supplemented by Equidia, France’s leading free-to-airracing network.

HBA Media, France Galop’s dedicated global horse racing distribution partner, have secured an additional22 international broadcasters for the 102nd running of the famous fixture. For 2023, HBA Media, and France Galop invested in a ‘Golden Hour’ live broadcast for the global audience for the first time, to highlight the QatarPrix de l’Arc de Triomphe’s growing international influence.

The 60-minute show,presented by Tom Stanley, will focus on the feature race, and contain additional features produced by World Horse Racing, with in-running coverage provided by Equidia. A five-hour World Feed produced by Equidia, featuring theQatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and a collection of elite Group 1 races, is also available to broadcasters.

ITV have extended their longstanding commitment to the event with a prolonged Sunday broadcast that takes in, for the first time, five Group 1 contests from Longchamp. Their flagship coverage will be live on ITV4and STV from 13:00 – 16:15 on Sunday, 1st October with a dedicated studio programme presented by Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani, with Oli Bellon-course in a roving reporter role.

Strong European coverage sees Sky Sports Racing , Virgin Media (Ireland), and BBC Radio 5Live providing further UK exposure. Italy’s largest free to air channel, RAI , will make the live race available to an audience expectant of another Frankie Dettori success, while other European outlets include WeDoTV (Germany / Switzerland / Austria), Silknet (Georgia), Polsat (Poland), Kanal 75 (Sweden) and Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia).

The US audience will be catered for with FOX Sports showcasing the Golden Hour – highlighting the channel’s continual commitment to international horse racing.

Australian viewers will be able to watch free-to-air through Racing.com and Entain’s OTT channels – with the latter also available in New Zealand for the first time. Fans in Indonesia will be able to enjoy the‘Arc’ courtesy of TransVision through their linear and digital channels.

Audiences in the Middle East have bolstered broadcast options with four media channels supporting Europe’s premier event. AlKass (Qatar) and beIN (Qatar) will transmit the full weekend of riveting racing. The two channels will be live on-course with paddock side studio locations and talent. DMI (MENA) will transmit the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe live within a six-hour broadcast, and Al Rayyan (Qatar) adding commentary and production for their viewers.

FanCode , India’s leading online sports streaming platform, will showcase thefull meeting through a new deal as they continue their support for international horse racing. Sony Pictures Network (SPN) will showcase theGolden Hour across the Indian subcontinent.

TheJapanese contenders will carry on their chase for an elusive first Arc win for the country with Through Seven Seas headlining their field. Once again, TheGreen Channel will provide significant exposure for this region.

Reuters will distribute the full event to their wide networks of news outlets and Sport24 will broadcast theGolden Hour on airlines and cruise lines.

Henry Birtles, ChiefExecutive of HBA Media, said: “We are very pleased with the comprehensive global distribution for this year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, headlined by strong free to air coverage on ITV and RAI as Frankie Dettori makes his final appearance at the event.

Our ability to offer broadcasters various live packages, including our new Golden Hour show, has resulted in improved exposure across multiple linear and digital networks, and ensured that the Arc’s international resonance continues to go from strength to strength.”

Delphine Violette, Director Commercial andMarketing for France Galop, said: “We are delighted with the enthusiasm shown by French and international broadcasters for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, recognised as one of the world's best races. This increase in the Arc's international exposure is thefruit of a productive collaboration with the HBA team, initiated in 2022. Wehave high hopes for the future, in particular for the success of the Golden Hour program, which should enable us to further extend the event's international exposure.”

ENDS

Royal Ascot set to attract global audience in 176 territories

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 09:56:22 GMT

Wednesday, 14th June - Royal Ascot has once again attracted significant broadcaster interest, with HBA Media delivering widespread coverage on behalf of Ascot Racecourse.

The 2023 Royal Meeting, taking place from Tuesday 20th June to Saturday 24th June, is set to be carried by 25 broadcasters showcasing the event in 176 territories - growing the reach of the Royal Meeting for a fourth consecutive year.

It is set to be a must-watch week as superstar jockey, Frankie Dettori, bids farewell to a place that he has dominated across four decades.

In celebration of Frankie’s close affiliation with the racecourse, Ascot has also commissioned a special 24-minute feature titled Frankie Dettori: A Royal Ascot Love Affair , which will be distributed alongside the enhanced five-day ITV World Feed and a bespoke one-hour Golden Hour programme.

Content Packages:

· Boosted daily five-hour world feed courtesy of ITV Racing’s World Feed will include the full 35-race card taking place across the week.

· The Golden Hour – a bespoke one-hour live production – returns to give international fans the best of the action and lifestyle on show, on Gold Cup Day (Thursday). Presented by Tom Stanley and Michelle Yu, with comedian Kojo Anim providing lifestyle inserts, the programme will celebrate all aspect of this year’s Royal Meeting through a distinctly international lens.

· Frankie Dettori: A Royal Ascot Love Affair is led by former jockey and ITV Racing / Sky Sports Racing pundit, Jason Weaver, a long-time friend of Dettori – their closeness affording Frankie the comfort to open up about his affinity with the Royal Meeting. The pair address his first ride in 1989, through his dominance in the late 90s and the plane crash which saw him miss the meeting in 2000, and onto his recent revival in fortunes – reliving some epic battles on the track along the way. This will be complemented by a suite of promotional material delivered throughout the week.

Distribution:

Host broadcaster ITV Racing will continue to present their award-winning coverage live from Ascot Racecourse in daily five-hour programmes from Tuesday 20th June to Saturday 24th June. Sky Sports Racing and Virgin Media return to bring coverage to a wider UK and Irish audience.

In the US, NBC and Peacock will give dedicated coverage across their linear and digital channels and will be on course for the final day of the meeting. Fans across Latin and South America can watch all the action courtesy of ESPN and Star+. In Canada, TSN will showcase the full meeting on their new OTT platform, as well as The Golden Hour on their linear networks.

FanCode , India’s leading online sports streaming platform, will showcase the full meeting through a new deal as they continue their support for international horse racing. TransVision will also bring coverage to fans in Indonesia for the first time. Sony Pictures Network (SPN) will showcase The Golden Hour across the Indian subcontinent.

European coverage will be complemented by returning broadcasters RAI (Italy), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), Polsat (Poland), CYTA (Cyprus), WeDoTV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) and Silknet (Georgia). Viaplay will give coverage across Scandinavia, as well as incorporating dedicated Dutch commentary for fans in the Netherlands.

Audiences in Australia will be able to watch the Royal Meeting courtesy of Entain, Racing.com and Sky Thoroughbred Central .

SuperSport have renewed their deal to bring the races across 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. DMI will service 19 countries across the MENA region, while in China, Wasu.tv have acquired the rights on a delayed basis.

Israeli pay-television broadcaster, Charlton , has extended its agreement to showcase the Royal Meeting for their third consecutive year.

Newcomers Global Eagle will ensure access across cruise ships, and SportsMax will broadcast across the Caribbean. Once again Reuters and Transworld Sports will distribute the full event to their wide networks of news outlets.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“We are immensely proud to work with the Ascot team on the distribution of the Royal Meeting. Our strong working relationship has helped deliver an audience befitting this most prestigious of events - Ascot’s commission of Frankie Dettori: A Royal Ascot Love Affair is a superb example of the outstanding promotional content we can offer our broadcast partners.

“Every year, all the eyes of the horse racing, lifestyle and news worlds will be upon Royal Ascot and HBA Media looks forward to delivering top quality coverage to our partners and fans around the world.”

Felicity Barnard, Commercial Director of Ascot Racecourse, added:

“We are thrilled that Royal Ascot will once again be broadcast across the world, including some exciting new media outlets for the first time. With international representation on the track expected from four different continents it is vitally important that we are reaching a truly global audience which we will deliver in partnership with HBA.

“Outside of the live action, it is exciting to be able to tell the story of one of the greatest jockeys the sport has ever seen through the prism of Royal Ascot. Frankie Dettori: A Royal Ascot Love Affair beautifully captures some of the highs and lows of Frankie’s magnificent career and we hope that racing fans new and old will enjoy it.”

ENDS

HBA Media boost racing rights portfolio after deals with Hong Kong Jockey Club, NBCUniversal and NYRA

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:46:30 GMT

8th June 2023 – HBA Media’s commitment to generating increased commercial returns for the sport of horse racing has been rewarded by the completion of three new deals, strengthening the agency’s comprehensive international racing portfolio.

HBA has partnered with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to distribute seven international Group 1 contests staged over two principal race days highlighted by the Longines Hong Kong International Races in mid-December which features the Hong Kong Sprint, Mile, Cup and Vase. The three-year agreement (2023-2025) will also include the renowned FWD Champions’ Day.

Separate agreements have also been reached with NBCUniversal (NBCU) and New York Racing Association (NYRA) for America’s three most historic races, events that transcend the sport of horse racing in the US, known worldwide as the Triple Crown.

In the US, NBCU holds media rights to both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes; the final leg of the series, the Belmont Stakes, is broadcast by FOX Sports. However, international broadcasters will now be able to enjoy the full Triple Crown series as a singular rights package following these new arrangements.

The next leg of the Triple Crown, The Belmont Stakes, takes place on Saturday, 10th June. No horse has achieved the coveted Triple Crown feat since Justify’s success in 2018.

Sam Nati, Head of Commingling of the Hong Kong Jockey Club , said : “ We are very proud of our international racedays, both in April and of course December where the best Hong Kong horses take on the overseas raiders. This is what makes racing so appealing and interesting. We are particularly pleased to work with HBA Media to ensure that we reach a global audience to showcase these events.”

Alex Barnes, VP, Sports Distribution for NBCUniversal , said: “NBCUniversal is delighted to be working with HBA Media on the international distribution of the Triple Crown. NBC Sports’ long-standing history in production and broadcasting of these great races, along with HBA’s knowledge and heritage in the sport, will ensure that the Triple Crown races will be seen by as many people as possible around the world.”

Tony Allevato, NYRA’s Chief Revenue Officer and President of NYRA Bets, explains: “Horse racing is now a core product for FOX Sport courtesy of HBA Media. Our high-quality production of the Belmont Stakes is enjoyed stateside by an engaging audience and through this fresh agreement with HBA, such coverage will be rightly rewarded with global recognition.”

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, added: “I am immensely proud that HBA’s racing portfolio continues to grow in stature and quality.

“With the inclusion of the Triple Crown and Hong Kong Jockey Club’s premier races, we are honoured to be helping secure an international audience for these world class sporting events.

“Our Crown Jewels package has already resulted in increased distribution and commercial revenues for all our clients - we are indebted to them for their support as we continue in our efforts to drive the sport forwards on the global stage.”

ENDS

Epsom Downs News: 2023 Betfred Derby's popularity underlined by 150-country TV shop window

Tue, 30 May 2023 09:08:42 GMT

Tuesday, 30th May - The popularity of the Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday, June 3, has been emphatically underlined with the news the world’s greatest Flat race will be showcased by 30 broadcasters in around 150 countries.

The race has captured the imagination of the sports world as Frankie Dettori, arguably the most famous and successful rider to have ever sat on a racehorse, rides in his last ever Derby.

And for the first time, Fancode , the leading OTT sports platform in India, with over 80 million active users, will stream live action from Epsom, taking the World Feed on both days, while the subcontinental audience will also be served by Sony (SPN), who will be showing the one-hour programme on delay. In another first, holidaymakers on selected cruise-line ships can view the live racing via an agreement with Global Eagle .

America will be extremely well catered for, with the Derby being shown live on FOX Sports, the leading sports channel, and the coverage there will be reinforced by Jess Stafford reporting live from Epsom for leading US racing channel Fanduel .

Sky Thoroughbred Central in Australia will also have an on-course presence, with Danny Archer reporting live, as will the Dubai Racing Channel , who will base their six-hour broadcast at Epsom.

CNN International have scheduled in a slot for the Derby on their World Sport programme for Saturday evening, while the mainstay of sports magazine programmes, Trans World Sports, will include the race in their show.

Audiences in UK and Ireland ( ITV, Virgin Media, Racing TV ), rest of Europe ( Viaplay, Setanta, Equidia, Polsat, SilkNet, wedo TV ) Africa ( SuperSport, Racing 240 ), Japan ( Green Channel, NHK ), Hong Kong ( HKJC, Cable TV, TVB, Now TV ), and Latin American and Caribbean ( ESPN / Star +, SportsMax ) will also be well served with live coverage. Focus will be kept on the Epsom Derby via news syndication deals with Reuters and SNTV .

James Crespi, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse , said: “Frankie’s final Derby is no doubt the headline story of this year’s race, and we are delighted audiences from all around the world will be tuning in on Saturday to see if he can sign off in fairy-tale style. I hope everyone enjoys one of the great sporting and social occasions.”

ENDS

Randox Grand National to receive worldwide exposure - including in the skies and on the seas

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:11:28 GMT

Thursday 13th April - Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree will be available to watch in all corners of the globe – and above it – with live coverage of the world’s most famous Jumps race also available on airlines.

Working with The Jockey Club, which owns and operates Aintree Racecourse and stages the Randox Grand National, Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media have secured 30 broadcasters, including Sport 24, who will broadcast the race on 27 airlines and cruise lines.

For the first time, India’s leading OTT sports streaming platform, Fancode, will broadcast all three days of the Randox Grand National Festival while leading broadcast networks such as Viaplay (pan Europe), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Polsat (Poland) and WeDoTV (Germany, Switzerland, Austria) will showcase the fixture in Europe. SuperSport and ESPN Star+ will guarantee pan-regional live coverage across Africa, and South America and the Caribbean.

In the UK the Randox Grand National will be broadcast on ITV – which pulled in an audience of 7.5m in 2022 – while Virgin Media will screen the race in Ireland. RMG’s own TV channel, Racing TV, will also show the race in homes and 10,000 pubs in UK and Ireland.

CNN will cover the race for its flagship World Sport programme, which reaches over 370 million households, while Trans World Sport, the leading global sports magazine programme, will provide added exposure. Coverage of the race will also be widely available to news outlets across the world via Reuters and SNTV.

Dickon White, The Jockey Club’s Regional Director for the North West , said: “The wide range of interest from international broadcasters further endorses the Randox Grand National’s status as the world’s most famous Jumps race, if not the most famous horse race anywhere on the planet.

“Working with RMG and HBA Media, we are delighted to attract what will be a truly global audience including via some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting.”

List of TV broadcasters include:

Broadcasters in North and South America, plus the Caribbean : TVG, NYRA (US); Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, HPI (Canada); ESPN Star+ (50 countries in Latin America, Caribbean) and SportsMax (32 countries in Caribbean).

Africa, MENA and Sub-Continent : SuperSport (48 countries in Africa), Racing 240 (16 countries in Southern Africa), Dubai Racing Channel (17 countries in MENA), Fancode, Sony Pictures Network (India and subcontinent)

Asia Pacific : Sky Thoroughbred Central (Australia), Trackside (New Zealand), Green Channel (Japan, highlights), Wasu (China, highlights)

European broadcasters : ITV (UK); Racing TV (UK, Republic of Ireland); Virgin Media 1 (Republic of Ireland); Equidia (France); SilkNet (Georgia); Viaplay (Pan Europe), Polsat (Poland), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), Wedo TV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

Radio listeners will enjoy live coverage in the UK courtesy of BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT, while Racing TV Radio, which syndicates audio on behalf of Aintree Racecourse, will distribute to regional, national and international news stations.

ENDS

40 Broadcasters to showcase Dubai World Cup

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:56:25 GMT

$30.5m horseracing showpiece to be broadcast live on ITV in the UK for the first time

Friday, 24th March - Forty broadcasters from all corners of the globe will showcase the US$30.5million Dubai World Cup horseracing fixture on Saturday, March 25.

The day is one of the true highlights of the racing calendar. The nine races at the spectacular Meydan Racecourse in the heart of Dubai include six Group 1 contests, headlined by the US$12m Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

These include Fox Sports in the US, ESPN / Star+ in South America, SuperSport in Africa, Viaplay in Europe, Dubai Media and BeIN in the Middle East, and, for the first time, ITV, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster. Those in the skies and the seas can watch live on-board selected airlines and cruise-lines via the Sport 24 network.

Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, General Manager of Dubai Racing Club, said “The Dubai World Cup will once again receive huge exposure from broadcasters all around the world, and we are particularly delighted that ITV – the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster – will show live action from Meydan Racecourse for the first time. We look forward to welcoming all the broadcasters and their audiences, both new and old, to the event and hope they enjoy one of the great sporting spectacles.”

Niall Sloane, Director of Sport at ITV, said: “ITV is delighted to add the Dubai World Cup fixture to its portfolio of international racing, which also includes the Breeders’ Cup and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The Dubai World Cup is one of the most valuable and global races of the year and we look forward to bringing it to a strong terrestrial and free-to-air audience in the UK.”

Broadcasters showing coverage of the Dubai World Cup fixture include:

Asia and Australia: Green Channel, Fuji TV (Japan); TVB, Cable, Now TV, HKJC TV (Hong Kong); STC TV (Singapore); Wasu (China); Sony Network (Indian subcontinent); FanCode (India); Racing.com, Sky Thoroughbred Central, Entain, (Australia); and Trackside (New Zealand)

Africa and Middle East: SuperSport (Africa), Dubai Racing Channel, Yas TV and Bein (MENA)

Americas and Caribbean: Fox Sports, TVG, NYRA (US); HPI (Canada); ESPN / Star+ (South America and Caribbean); and SportsMax (Caribbean).

ENDS

The Saudi Cup celebrates its fourth year with enhanced global coverage across 170 territories

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:39:46 GMT

20th February 2023 – The world’s richest horse race, The Saudi Cup will be distributed across all corners of the globe by 35 broadcasters further extending the reach of the USD $20 million event.

Now entering its fourth year, the Group 1 Saudi Cup continues to rise in reputation and stature across the globe as one of horseracing’s premier events. This is reflected by a growing list of major linear and OTT broadcasters secured by HBA Media.

Fox Sports will broadcast the ‘Golden Hour’, a bespoke IMG live production focusing on the cultural and sporting elements of The Saudi Cup, with US trained horses Country Grammer and Taiba hotly expected to be vying for favouritism. The full undercard will be available to American fans on FanDuel TV.

The Saudi Cup will enjoy comprehensive airtime across Latin America courtesy of ESPN , with the broadcast being leveraged on their linear channels across the continent as being accessible pan-regionally on their digital platform Star+ . TSN will broadcast in Canada and SportsMax and ESPN will televise the event in the Caribbean to ensure complete coverage across the Americas.

Following Japan’s recent domination on the international racing scene, the Green Channel will cover an unprecedented six Japanese entrants in the Saudi Cup. In Australia, Racing.com and Entain will showcase the prestigious event.

The event will benefit from strong European distribution with 10 live broadcasters across the continent. Major free-to-air network RAI will broadcast across Italy, where homegrown racing legend Frankie Dettori will be attempting to win the race for the first time in his final season in the saddle. Other deals have been struck with Racing TV (UK), Virgin Media (Ireland), Polsat (Poland), Viaplay (Netherlands and Scandinavia), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Equidia (France), WeDoTV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria), Silknet (Georgia) and CYTA (Cyprus).

FanCode , the Indian online sports streaming platform, will showcase the Saudi Cup for the very first time, marking their debut into the world of horseracing. Sony Pictures Networks will once again broadcast the Saudi Cup across India and the Indian subcontinent through its linear channels.

Saudi Sports Channels (SSC) will be the host broadcaster of the event for the first time and will televise Friday and Saturday’s action throughout Saudi Arabia, with Dubai Media Incorporated renewing their deal for the MENA region. The full raceday will be livestreamed on Twitter throughout Saudi Arabia, which pulled in 6.5 million views in 2022.

HBA Media and IMG Productions are also responsible for co-producing the five-hour live raceday coverage, alongside a bespoke one-hour Golden Hour programme presented by Nick Luck and Michelle Yu, supported by Oli Bell and Laffit Pincay III. ITV Racing commentator, Richard Hoiles, will call home the much-anticipated contest involving 14 champion contenders – all vying for a slice of the $20 million jackpot.

Full broadcasters taking The Saudi Cup coverage include:

North and South America, plus the Caribbean: Fox Sports (US), FanDuel TV (US), TSN (Canada), SportsMax (Caribbean), ESPN (Caribbean and Latin America) and Star+ (Latin America)

Europe: Racing TV (UK), Virgin Media (Ireland), RAI (Italy), Polsat (Poland), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), Equidia (France), Viaplay (Scandinavia), Silknet (Georgia), Turkey Jockey Club (Turkey), CYTA (Cyprus) and WeDoTV (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)

Asia Pacific: Green Channel (Japan), Fancode (India), Sony Pictures Networks (India), Wasu.TV (China), Racing.com (Australia) and Entain (Australia)

Africa and MENA: DMI (Dubai), Saudi Sports Channel (KSA), Twitter (KSA) and SuperSport (South Africa)

Global, News and Highlight outlets: Sport24, SNTV, Reuters and Transworld Sports.

Tom Ryan, Saudi Cup Racing Advisor, said: “The Saudi Cup has developed into a major international race weekend and it is great that our international broadcast presence reflects our rising profile on the world stage. Each year we aim to provide an informative, exciting and entertaining product that will capture the attention of racing and sports fans and continue to drive interest in Saudi Arabian horseracing.”

Henry Birtles, CEO of HBA Media, said: “We are delighted to have secured the Saudi Cup such a strong international presence across a noteworthy 170 territories.

“Our long-term association with the Saudi Cup (since inception) has seen the event grow into today’s sporting phenomenon - which accurately reflects the significance of the raceday both on and off the course.

“It is a privilege to work in partnership with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and we look forward to a successful meeting.”

Ends

‘Frankie Factor’ sees new broadcasters acquire the 2023 Pegasus World Cup

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:14:20 GMT

24th January 2023 – The $3 million Pegasus World Cup presented by Baccarat (G1) on Saturday, 28th January will reach over 135 territories through broadcast distribution courtesy of HBA Media. Held in Miami, the first major flat event of 2023 has attracted legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, who will ride in the feature race for his final time as he starts his international ‘swansong’ ahead of retirement at the end of the year.

Dettori has held the mantle of horseracing’s greatest star for three decades and will launch and conclude his illustrious career in the States – starting this Saturday at the Pegasus World Cup and ending at the Breeders’ Cup in November.

Since its inception in 2017, the Pegasus World Cup has become the USA’s premier entertainment and horseracing event. Outside of the ‘Frankie factor’, headline music performances from OneRepublic and Kygo have helped boost international interest. Three new broadcasters will showcase the NBC produced world feed for the first time to ensure the Pegasus World Cup can be watched by fans in every major continent.

Distributed by HBA Media, the headlining agreements for the event are:

· OTT broadcaster Entain have signed a new deal to bring the Pegasus World Cup broadcast to fans across Australia.

· Industry heavyweight Viaplay will broadcast the event across eight territories in Scandinavia and Europe.

· Audiences across South America will be cheering on Brazilian contender ‘Ivar’ and can watch his efforts via ESPN across 50 territories.

· Virgin Media continue their commitment to international racing by bringing their event to their linear channels in Ireland for the first time.

· WeDoTV will show the event on their digital channel to audiences in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

· Sony Pictures Networks have extended their broadcast deal – targeting a 700 million audience across India and the wider subcontinent.

· Global Eagle will debut the race day to its cruise ship clients to ensure visibility across the seas.

These fresh partnerships will deliver expanded reach for the event and unlock new audiences across the globe.

A further collection of major networks will showcase the 2023 Pegasus World Cup presented by Baccarat. Alongside the host broadcaster, NBC (USA), international coverage includes:

Sky Sports Racing (UK and Ireland)
Polsat (Poland)
SilkNet (Georgia)
Setanta (Central and eastern Europe)
SuperSport (Africa)
SportsMax (Caribbean)
Racing.com (Australia)
Wasu.tv (China)
Reuters will provide race content to news outlets across the world.

All broadcasters continue to be supported with an expanded suite of promotional and highlights content to help attract an engaged audience and enhanced interest in the event.

A total of eight races (seven graded) worth $5.3 million in combined purse winnings will be offered on Pegasus Day, led by the $3 million Pegasus World Cup presented by Baccarat (G1) and the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf presented by Qatar Racing (G1). The two feature races will co-headline the race card at 1/ST’s Gulfstream Park in South Florida which is being distributed to a global audience through a 90-minute bespoke on-air package live at 16:30 local time / 21:30 GMT.

Trainer Brad Cox is confident that his stable star and leading fancy – CyberKnife – can deliver a big career finale performance in the Pegasus World Cup, having followed the same pre-race training campaign to former champion, Knicks Go. Other notable contenders include progressive five-year-old Proxy, trained by Michael Stidaham wearing the famous Godolphin blue colours, who earned G1 credentials last year. While White Abarrio, a G1 course and distance winner, will run for defending champion trainer Saffie Joseph Junior.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said:

“We are pleased to have landed new broadcast agreements for the seventh running of the Pegasus World Cup. It is a pleasure to work with the terrific team at 1/ST and we are delighted to have ensured that Miami’s most fashionable race day continues to grow.”

Gregg Colvin, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST CONTENT, added:

“We are excited to be working with HBA Media to bring the Pegasus World Cup to an expanded global audience. The interest in the Pegasus World Cup and the influence it has on the international racing calendar reflects 1/ST’s commitment to excellence and innovation as we work to redefine the experience of our sport.”

Ends

Increased global audience will enjoy the world-famous Breeders’ Cup, with millions set to watch

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:48:42 GMT

1st November 2022 - America’s most prestigious race meeting - the Breeders’ Cup – has once again secured widespread global attention. In total, 21 international broadcasters will showcase the event with their accumulative reach spanning six continents and over 170 territories.

Taking place on Friday 4th November and Saturday 5th November, the Breeders’ Cup Championships will return to Keeneland, Kentucky this year and will be headlined by the $6million Longines Classic and the $4 million Longines Turf.

Host broadcasters NBC will produce coverage showcasing all 14 championship races across the two days. ITV will continue to champion the event in the UK, with the free-to-air broadcaster returning stateside to deliver fans more international racing. Their commitment will be complemented by additional UK-based broadcasters - Virgin Media, Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV – all transmitting the full Breeders’ Cup weekend.

Across South America and the Caribbean, ESPN will give increased exposure to the Breeders’ Cup by broadcasting both days of the Championships. ESPN’s OTT platform, Star+, has hosted multiple Breeders’ Cup Challenge races throughout the year to give greater exposure to the event.

This year, a bespoke ‘Golden Hour’ production for international audiences has led to heightened interest from broadcasters worldwide. Across Europe, heavyweight Viaplay will broadcast the event across Scandinavia, with Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Polsat (Poland), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia), Sport TV (Portugal), WeDoTV (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Kanal 75 (Sweden) and Silknet (Georgia) also servicing fans across the continent.

Eclat / SPOTV will broadcast the flagship race to their subscribers across South-East Asia for the very first time following a strong Asian performance from competitors at the 2021 Championships. Newcomer Entain will also broadcast the event across Australia, where fans will also be given access by Racing.com.

SuperSport will bring the action to 48 territories across the African continent. Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) will promote the event across the Indian Subcontinent for the first time. Sport24 will ensure the event is widely available in flight and on-ships. Longstanding supporters DMI will bring both days of the event to their audience in the Middle East.

This year, an expected nine-runner field will contest the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, headlined by Flightline – the world’s best racehorse who has taken the season by storm. He will be challenged by Life is Good, who has previously held that title. Former Kentucky Derby winner - Rich Strike - will be looking to upset the contenders again, with the globe-trotting Hot Rod Charlie also staking a credible claim.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “We have seen an increased international audience yet again for the Breeders’ Cup, with our partnership now extending into a second decade. The event sits as one of the most anticipated race meetings within our global horseracing portfolio and we have six new sports broadcasters who will showcase the spectacle for the very first time. The collaborative efforts from both parties have ensured that the Breeders’ Cup continues to receive the worldwide recognition it deserves.”

Justin McDonald, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Breeders’ Cup, said: “ Breeders’ Cup was founded in 1984 with the goal of bringing high-quality racing to an international audience, and we’re proud that the Breeders’ Cup World Championships continues to be one of the most anticipated events on the Thoroughbred racing calendar each year. We are grateful to our broadcasting partners for all they do to ensure that the Breeders’ Cup is accessible to all our amazing fans around the world.”

ENDS

The Melbourne Cup achieves record distribution for 2022 running

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:45:47 GMT

31st October 2022 - The world-renowned Lexus Melbourne Cup will be shown in every major continent with 20 broadcasters bringing ‘the race that stops the nation’ to over 190 territories.

Taking place on Tuesday 1st November, a global audience will be serviced with a bespoke two-hour international programme that will capture the rich history of the event. There will be added focus on the strong international contingent of competitors that will descend on Flemington Racecourse for a shot at winning Australia’s most coveted racing event.

Six new networks have agreed deals to show the event in 2022. Amongst them are Eclat / SPOTV, the emerging key-player in the South-East Asian market, who will bring the event to 14 territories across the region. Virgin Media will serve audiences in Ireland and Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) bring the event to the Indian subcontinent for the first time. Sport24 will deliver the full-racecard to airlines and cruise ships and there are new deals with WasuTV (China) and WeDoTV (Germany, Switzerland, Austria).

Whilst the feature event remains at the forefront of Australian racing, the full four days that make up Melbourne Cup Carnival will be showcased in multiple continents. For the first time, live daily two-hour international programmes will be produced for Penfolds Derby Day, Kennedy Oaks Day and TAB Champions Day. FOX Sports will utilize the international programmes to bring the events into 70 million American homes. Similarly, SuperSport and SportsMax will showcase the full Carnival across Africa and the Caribbean respectively.

Strong European support has been maintained with Viaplay (Scandinavia), Polsat (Poland), Setanta (Eurasia and Baltics) and Kanal 75 (Sweden) broadcasting the Lexus Melbourne Cup live on their linear and digital networks. ESPN’s ongoing commitment to horseracing will see the race broadcast pan-regionally across South America. TSN will bring the event to fans in Canada, whilst Chinese fans will be able to watch on WasuTV.

DMI (Dubai) will continue their valued support of the event in the Middle East and ABC International will provide additional distribution across the Asia-Pacific Region. Every broadcaster will enjoy Carnival and Melbourne Cup preview and highlights programmes to bolster their content offering and adding significant value.

Dave Campbell, Executive General Manager – VRC Media at the Victoria Racing Club, said: “The VRC through our expanded VRC Media division have focused on building out a live and on-demand content platform that caters to our international broadcast partners. We are thrilled that this content strategy has ensured both the Lexus Melbourne Cup and the Melbourne Cup Carnival itself will have widespread coverage, bringing the unique colour and entertainment on and off the track to millions across the globe.”

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, added: "We are delighted to have secured a significant distribution footprint for the Lexus Melbourne Cup. This year’s event represents our ninth year working hand-in-hand with the VRC to ensure that the race that stops a nation is seen across the world.

“It is a great asset to work with the VRC on delivering dedicated international programmes and superb supporting content to broadcasters. It is crucial that such a renowned sporting event commands significant global attention and we are proud of our collaborative effort that will bring this year’s Melbourne Cup to more fans, broadcasters and territories than ever before.”

Ends

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe secures increased global coverage powered by HBA Media

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:46:18 GMT

ITV Racing sign an exclusive free-to-air three-year broadcast deal

29th September 2022 – The globally renowned Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (October 2nd) has attracted increased worldwide coverage in 2022. Voted the world’s best horserace by Longines, the Arc will bring together a truly international field endorsed by widespread broadcast exposure.

HBA Media in their first year as France Galop’s dedicated global horseracing distribution partner, have secured the event greater broadcast reach and exposure than ever before.

A total of 22 broadcasters will showcase the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with the majority taking the live feed which will feature the principal race, alongside a collection of elite supporting Group 1 races. It should also be noted that this year more than 15 TV channels have chosen to broadcast a two-hour programme around the Arc, highlighting more than ever the race and its international influence.

ITV have re-affirmed their longstanding commitment to the event signing an exclusive free-to-air three-year agreement. Their flagship coverage will be live on ITV1 and STV from 13:00 – 15:30 on Sunday, 2nd October with a dedicated studio programme presented by Ed Chamberlin with Adele Mulrennan and Matt Chapman. On-site roving reporting duties will be the responsibility of Rishi Persad with Richard Hoiles commentating on four live races.

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the highlights of the racing calendar and we are delighted to be able to continue to bring exclusive, free to air coverage of this unique event to our viewers for the coming years.”

Strong European coverage has been secured and for the first time Viaplay will give the event coverage on their OTT platform across Scandinavia. Other European channels include Sky Sports Racing, Virgin Media (Ireland), RAI (Italy), WeDoTV (Germany / Switzerland / Austria), Silknet (Georgia) and the BBC providing further UK exposure on Radio 5Live.

The US audience will be catered for with FOX Sports showcasing a dedicated live one-hour programme. In addition, CBC will offer live exposure for Canadian viewers.

Australian viewers will be able to watch on FTA through Racing.com and via Entain’s OTT channels in a first for the continent. Similarly, SuperSport will transmit live coverage to 48 countries across Africa.

Audiences in the Middle East have a variety of broadcast options with DMI (MENA) broadcasting Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe live. Al Rayyan (Qatar) will broadcast for six-hours live on Sunday while Al Kass (Qatar) is set to provide a weekend of riveting racing by showcasing both the Saturday and Sunday racecards.

The Japanese contenders will continue their chase for an elusive first Arc win for the country and a plethora of broadcasters will bring the event live to the territory. The Green Channel, Radio Nikkei, Fuji TV and Continue will all provide significant coverage hoping that one of the four Japanese raiders can win, including the leading chance and promising four-year-old, Titleholder.

Complementing the broadcast distribution are Reuters and Transworld Sports – both will distribute the full event to their wide networks of news outlets.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said: “We are delighted that within our first year representing France Galop and its powerful racing portfolio HBA Media has achieved coverage in two previously untapped continents (Australia and Africa). Alongside this and the multiple broadcast agreements, the Arc has genuinely secured global recognition.

“With the quality of international contenders in the Arc, the extensive worldwide audience are in for a real treat and will enjoy one of Europe’s greatest sporting occasions.”

Delphine Violette, Director Commercial and Marketing for France Galop, said: “The international exposure of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, voted the greatest race in the world five times in the last seven years, is a major challenge for France Galop and the influence of French racing abroad. The increase in the number of broadcasters and the relevance of the territory covered are real satisfactions for this first year of collaboration with HBA Media.”

Qatar Goodwood Festival to enjoy worldwide TV exposure via 30 broadcasters

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:05:09 GMT

Tuesday, 26th July 2022 - Some of the most recognisable TV networks in the world will broadcast this week’s Qatar “Glorious” Goodwood Festival, including, for the first time, ESPN / Disney + in South America and Sony (SPN) in India and the sub-continent.

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media (HBA), working with Goodwood Racecourse, have generated widespread interest in the Festival (July 27 to 31) – one of the highlights of the horseracing calendar.

Other first-time broadcasters of Goodwood include, Eclat (14 countries in South-East Asia), NENT (Pan-Europe), Polsat (Poland), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), Wedotv (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) and Wasu.TV (China).

Audiences in UK and Ireland (ITV, Virgin Media, Racing TV), Africa (Racing 240), Japan (Green Channel), Hong Kong (HKJC, Cable TV, TVB, Now TV) and Australasia (Sky Racing, Trackside) will also get to experience racing of the highest order, with the highlight being the Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes on July 27.

Broadcast crews from TVG (US), Dubai Racing Channel and Al Kass (Qatar) will also be on course to bring live coverage from the Sussex Downs, in the south of England.

Ed Arkell, Clerk of the Course and Director of International Racing at Goodwood Racecourse, said: "The Qatar Goodwood Festival is five days of top-class international racing in one of the most picturesque backdrops you could imagine for any sporting event. We are delighted to have secured around 30 broadcasters, including seven new broadcasters, whose viewers will experience riveting racing and a social occasion like no other.”

ENDS

HBA Media celebrates a 10-year association with the Breeders’ Cup World Championships

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:48:13 GMT

20th July 2022 - The world-famous Breeders’ Cup, one of the most prestigious and renowned international events in thoroughbred racing, have renewed their longstanding relationship with HBA Media to remain an integral part of their worldwide distribution strategy and service.

HBA has been awarded a multi-year contract (2022 – 2024) by the Breeders’ Cup to provide exclusive linear and digital international distribution service for the World Championships, marking a decade association with the event.

The 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will take place across a two-day meeting from 4th to 5th November at Keeneland Racecourse and is recognised as one of the most prestigious race meetings in the world with domestic and international contenders competing for glory on dirt and turf.

HBA has distributed the Breeders’ Cup World Championship and produced a bespoke finale ‘Golden Hour’ programme for an international audience for the previous eight seasons. The meeting features strongly within HBA’s enriched year-long horseracing portfolio and broadcasters will continue to have access to an abundance of content to compliment media rights packages.

Last year, the Breeders’ Cup enjoyed increased global exposure with the two-day festival shown by numerous international networks and aired across 120 territories. NBC produced a multiple-hour broadcast, Sky Sports Racing continued its long-standing coverage, while Racing TV covered the event in its entirety for the first time and ITV Racing specifically travelled to the States to showcase the World Championships.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “To reach 10 years of partnership with the Breeders’ Cup is something everyone at HBA is immensely proud of. The media landscape has changed dramatically over the course of our relationship, and we have worked closely with the team at the Breeders’ Cup to ensure that the global visibility and commercial value of the event is continually enhanced year-on-year.

“We are now entering another exciting era for sports rights and are enthused to continue building the Breeders’ Cup brand with worldwide sports networks and platforms.”

Justin McDonald, Vice President Marketing & Digital for the Breeders’ Cup, said: “HBA has done a wonderful job of expanding the Breeders’ Cup brand through its broadcast distribution prowess and has been an essential partner in executing our international strategy and successfully promoting the World Championships to a global audience.”

Drew Fleming, Chief Executive Officer for the Breeders’ Cup, added: “As we near our 10-year association with HBA, we couldn’t be more pleased with the expanded distribution of the Breeders’ Cup World Championship to international audiences unimagined a decade ago. Global competition among the world's greatest horses, jockeys and trainers is one of the hallmarks of the Breeders’ Cup, and we are delighted to showcase the two best days of thoroughbred racing each year in more than 120 territories around the world through the leadership and expertise of HBA.”

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, added: “It is a huge achievement to have retained such a longstanding association with the Breeders’ Cup. The event is a sporting phenomenon, and we look forward to working closely with their team in showcasing this great event to the world.

“Autumn will see the team embark on a distribution and production marathon – representing three of the finest horseracing events in the world - starting with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in early October followed by the Melbourne and Breeders’ Cups in November.”

Ends

HBA Media facilitate Royal Ascot coverage in over 170 territories increasing worldwide exposure for a third year running

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:45:23 GMT

14th June 2022 – Royal Ascot, the showpiece of international horseracing in the United Kingdom, will be broadcast in over 170 territories throughout this week with more than 20 broadcasters worldwide showcasing the live action to reach every major continent.

The increased worldwide exposure has been managed by media rights experts, HBA Media.

Host broadcaster ITV Racing will present all the action in a daily five-hour programme while Sky Sports Racing and Virgin Media will also service UK and Irish audiences.

NBC on Saturday, preceded by their digital arm, Peacock, will be on site and broadcasting to the United States whilst Racing.com will be transmitting from the course for Australia alongside Green Channel for Japan.

This will be complemented by returning broadcasters that include Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT) (Scandinavia), RAI (Italy), Setanta (Baltics countries and Eurasia); Sport TV (Portugal), Silknet (Georgia) , Polsat (Poland), CYTA (Cyprus) and WedoTV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

Other broadcasters taking coverage outside of Europe include Eclat (Southeast Asia) and Star+/ESPN (Latin America), with both offering access on their digital platforms. 19 countries in the Middle East and North Africa will have access to the racing through DMI (Dubai), while Wasu.TV will cater for the Chinese audience.

The Royal Meeting continues to have a strong presence in Oceania with Racing.com (Australia) being joined by Spark Sport servicing New Zealand.

Charlton TV will cover the action in Israel, while 48 countries in Africa are served by Super Sport . SportsMax continue to champion the racing and all its surrounding attractions in the Caribbean, whist Sport24 will ensure the event is seen on airlines and ships across the world.

Once again Reuters and Transworld Sports will distribute the full event to their wide networks of news outlets.

All international broadcasters will have access to the full 35-race schedule through the ITV world feed and a suite of promotional content and Royal Ascot related features.

For the first time, Ascot Racecourse in partnership with HBA Media, have commissioned a special one-hour live production – The Golden Hour – that takes in the best of the action on and off the course on Gold Cup Day (Thursday, 16th June).

Presented by Tom Stanley and Michelle Yu, the programme will celebrate the history and tradition of the occasion with a distinctly international focus to be showcased live across the globe.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“We are delighted with the international coverage secured for this most prestigious of race meetings. All eyes of the horseracing, lifestyle and news worlds are upon Royal Ascot and we look forward to delivering top quality coverage for our global audiences.”

Alastair Warwick, Managing Director of Ascot Racecourse, added:

“We are indebted to the work that HBA Media does to deliver truly global distribution for Royal Ascot and this year we are thrilled with the additional top-class production of the international broadcast package titled The Golden Hour.

“It is pleasing to see such widespread global interest in the Royal Meeting, which in turn also gives valuable exposure into new territories for our partners, suppliers and participants.”

ENDS

2022 Cazoo Derby to enjoy a global media audience

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 10:07:09 GMT

Thursday, 2nd June - This Saturday’s Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse – an official part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations – has attracted global attention with more than 50 broadcasters committed to showing coverage of the raceday.

Set to be run for £1.604m following two supplementary entries, the Cazoo Derby is Britain's richest and most prestigious race that every jockey, trainer and owner wants to win – and no matter where you are in the world, it should be available on a TV platform near you.

The Jockey Club, which owns and operates Epsom Downs Racecourse, Racecourse Media Group, and HBA Media have together secured a wide range of broadcasters for the Cazoo Derby Festival (Friday to Saturday), including 32 showing live coverage, 15 on-site news and lifestyle broadcasters, plus various news agencies.

The US audience will be particularly well catered for with Good Morning America (ABC network) and NBC News broadcasting live from Epsom, while Jess Stafford will be hosting live action from the course for America’s prominent racing channel, TVG. In addition, Fox Sports, the leading sports network in the US, will be showing a live one-hour programme around the Cazoo Derby itself.

European news channels live at Epsom include ARD (Germany), Polsat (Poland), France Télévisions, BFMTV (France), SRF (Switzerland) and SIC (Portugal), while ITN, Sky News, BBC Breakfast and ITV’s Lorraine will also be on-site for the UK audience.

CNN International will be including coverage in their news and World Sport output, available to over 370 million households, while news agencies Reuters, SNTV, PA and AFP will be distributing coverage around the globe. Trans World Sport, the popular long-running sports magazine show, is also featuring the Cazoo Derby for its upcoming programme.

Cazoo Derby day has attracted several first-time takers, who will be transmitting live racing coverage. These include Eclat (14 countries in South-East Asia), NENT (Scandinavia), Wedo.tv (Germany, Switzerland and Austria), Polsat (Poland) and Charlton (Israel). Other first-timers include Sony Pictures Network and Wasutv will dedicate a special one-hour show to the race in India and China respectively.

Audiences in UK and Ireland (ITV, Virgin Media, Racing TV), Africa (SuperSport, Racing 240), Japan (Green Channel, NHK), Hong Kong (HKJC, Cable TV, TVB, Now TV), Australasia (Sky Racing, Trackside), Latin American, Caribbean (ESPN / Star +, SportsMax) and MENA (Dubai Racing Channel) will also be well served with live coverage.

Phil White, The Jockey Club’s London Regional Director , said: “We look forward to welcoming television viewers around the world to Epsom Downs for the Cazoo Derby this weekend. They will not only be witnessing racing’s most spectacular carnival, but can also join the Platinum Jubilee celebrations as we celebrate the historic reign of Her Majesty The Queen. I have no doubt that our extensive worldwide audience are in for a treat and will enjoy one of the great sporting and social occasions of recent times.”

ENDS

France Galop appoints HBA Media in a multi-year media-rights distribution deal

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 11 May 2022 11:16:41 GMT

Agreement sees HBA Media represent the entire international media-rights distribution of the French flat horseracing calendar

France Galop has appointed HBA Media as its dedicated global horseracing distribution partner under a four-year agreement.

As horse racing’s foremost international media rights agency, HBA Media will preside over France Galop’s entire racing portfolio to ensure global broadcast and multi-platform distribution for the world-famous Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and a further 26 Group 1 and Group 2 race days.

HBA Media and France Galop will work collaboratively to elevate the quality of its live and produced racing coverage. There will be renewed emphasis on championing the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – France Galop’s premier event - in productions that will attract new audiences and sports fans to the best of French flat racing.

The announcement follows a string of major acquisitions byHBA Media in the last two years, which included representation agreements with both Ascot Racecourse and Racecourse Media Group (RMG) respectively to manage the international broadcast rights for UK and Irish racing, including the prestigious Royal Meeting, QIPCO British Champions Day, the Cazoo DerbyFestival and the Randox Grand National.

HBA Media is responsible for a host of international landmark events, including the Pegasus World Cup, the Saudi Cup, the Dubai World CupCarnival, the Melbourne Cup, the Breeders’ Cup and the Bahrain InternationalTrophy. The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will join HBA Media’s enriched portfolio to form an unrivalled year-long international racing calendar.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“HBA Media is delighted to enter this exciting partnership with France Galop. We are honoured to have been entrusted with managing their illustrious portfolio of events that are watched and loved all over the world.

“Over the past few years, our vision at HBA Media has been focused on the sport of horse racing thriving in an ever-changing media landscape. We are thrilled that France Galop believe in our approach, and weare unrelenting in our mission to showcase this great sport to untapped audiences and secure the best possible global coverage for France Galop and all our clients.”

Delphine Violette, Director Commercial and Marketing for France Galop, said:

“We are very excited to be working with HBA Media, who have proven their dedication, commitment and outstanding knowledge of horseracing and media.

“HBA’s enviable portfolio captures the very best of international horse racing and we are delighted that French racing from Paris Longchamp, Chantilly, Deauville,Auteuil and Saint-Cloud Racecourses will be distributed within this unrivalledyear-long global racing calendar.”

Ends

Randox Grand National to enjoy worldwide exposure via 30 broadcasters

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 11:22:28 GMT

6th April 2022 - The Randox Grand National, from Aintree Racecourse in the UK, will enjoy truly worldwide TV exposure on Saturday, with around 30 broadcasters showcasing the world’s most famous Jumps race to all corners of the globe.

Forty runners and riders will take on 30 unique fences in the four-and-a-quarter mile marathon, with all eyes no doubt on Rachael Blackmore and her bid to win back-to-back Grand Nationals on Minella Times.

Working with Aintree’s owners, Jockey Club Racecourses, Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media have secured a wide range of broadcasters, including several first-time takers.

These include Eclat (14 countries in South-East Asia), NENT (Scandinavia), Watch4 (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) and Polsat (Poland), while Wasu.TV and Sony Pictures Network will dedicate a special one-hour show to the race in China and India respectively.

Blackmore’s quest can also be followed on selected airlines and cruise-lines, which will be showing live coverage via the Sport 24 network.

CNN will cover the race for its World Sport programme, CNN International’s flagship sports news programme, which reaches over 370 million households, while Trans World Sport, the leading global sports magazine programme, will offer the fixture added exposure. Coverage of the race will be widely available to news outlets across the world via Reuters.

More than 20,000 British troops and personnel serving overseas can enjoy ITV's coverage of the Randox Grand National via BFBS, who provide media services to the UK Armed Forces. It means the race will be broadcast over 16 times zones including the Middle East, Brunei, Germany, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Falklands, Canada South Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya, plus Royal Navy ships and sea.

Dickon White, Regional Director – North-West at the Jockey Club said: “The Randox Grand National is the biggest Jumps race in the world, if not the biggest race in the world, and merits a truly worldwide TV audience - which I’m delighted to say is exactly what we’ve got. I hope our extensive list of broadcasters, both new and old to the event, enjoy one of the great sporting spectacles.”

List of TV broadcasters include:

Africa, MENA and Sub-Continent : SuperSport (48 countries in Africa), Racing 240 (16 countries in Southern Africa), Dubai Racing Channel, Yas TV (both 17 countries in MENA), Sony Pictures Network (India)

Asia Pacific : Sky Thoroughbred Central (Australia), Trackside (New Zealand), Green Channel (Japan, highlights), Wasu.TV (China, highlights)

European broadcasters : ITV (UK); Racing TV (UK, Republic of Ireland); Virgin Media 1 (Republic of Ireland); Equidia (France); SilkNet (Georgia); NENT (Scandinavia), Polsat (Poland), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), SSport (Turkey)

RMG's TV channel, Racing TV, will also show the race in 10,000 pub and clubs in the UK and Ireland. Radio listeners will enjoy live coverage in the UK courtesy of BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT, while Racing TV Radio, which syndicates audio on behalf of Aintree Racecourse, will distribute to regional, national and international news stations.

ENDS

Record number of broadcasters to showcase Dubai World Cup fixture

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 15:18:18 GMT

$30.5m horseracing showpiece to be streamed live on Twitter for the first time, plus live on airlines and cruise lines

23rd March 2022 - The US$30.5million Dubai World Cup fixture will be showcased to a record number of broadcasters on Saturday, as befitting one of the world’s most global and valuable day’s horseracing

The fixture, run at the spectacular Meydan Racecourse in the heart of Dubai, includes six Group 1 contests, headlined by the US$12m Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Dubai Racing Club, working with its appointed distribution and production company, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and HBA Media, have secured a truly worldwide audience. For the first time, those watching in UAE and Saudi Arabia will be able to watch the day on Twitter, while those in the skies and the seas can watch live on-board selected airlines and cruise-lines via the Sport 24 network.

There is great interest in the US – whose superstar Life Is Good is fancied to win the Dubai World Cup – with Fox Sports, TVG and NYRA broadcasting the card live, while NBCSN will show highlights of the card in their racing programme. ESPN (Star+) will screen the action in South America, Central America and Caribbean, and SportsMax will cover the Caribbean too.

The MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region will be served by live coverage from Dubai Racing Channel and Yas TV (UAE).

Far Eastern networks showing live broadcasts include the Green Channel and Fuji TV in Japan, TVB, Cable, Now TV and HKJC TV in Hong Kong and STC TV in Singapore. TV audiences in a further 13 countries in South-East Asia, will have access to the raceday, courtesy of Eclat, which is airing the event for the first time.

China can watch the action unfold via Wasu , which is another first-time broadcaster, as is Sony Network, which will be broadcasting the event to its Indian audience.

Africa is served by SuperSport (sub-Saharan Africa) and Sport 240 (South Africa), while Australasia is covered by Racing.com , Sky Thoroughbred Central (Australia) and Trackside (New Zealand).

European broadcasters include: Equidia (France); Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing (UK, Republic of Ireland); Virgin Media (Republic of Ireland); SilkNet (Georgia); and TJK TV (Turkey). The Dubai World Cup also welcomes first-time broadcasters Setanta (Eurasia and Baltics), NENT (Scandinavia) Watch4 (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) and Polsat (Poland).

Trans World Sport , the leading global sports magazine programme, will offer the fixture added exposure, as will CNN , which is covering the race for its World Sport programme. ITV will air content from the fixture within its live broadcast on Saturday in the UK, and Saudi TV will feature the event in a one-hour highlights show. Reuters will distribute the event to their wide networks of news outlets.

The presenting team at Meydan includes Nick Luck, Britney Eurton, Rishi Persad, Michelle Yu, Tom Stanley, Angus McNae and Nick Lightfoot, plus commentator Alistair Cohen.

Major General Expert Mohammed Issa Al-Adab, the General Manager of Dubai Racing Club, said “We are delighted RMG and HBA Media has secured a record number of broadcasters from all around the world, including a number of first-time broadcasters. The unprecedented interest is reflective of the global appeal of the Dubai World Cup – one of the great occasions on the sporting calendar.”

Director of Communications and International TV Distribution at RMG, Seb Vance, said: “It is indeed a great achievement and a step forward in horse racing broadcast at Meydan thanks to the trust and support of the Dubai Racing Club management headed by Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook as Chairman of DRC. This is the seventh consecutive year we have worked with Dubai Racing Club on the production and distribution of its racing, which is a great honour for everyone at RMG. Working with our partners Dubai Racing Club and the media rights agency HBA Media, we are delighted to bring this spectacular event to a truly worldwide audience.”

Managing Director of HBA Media, Frank Sale, said: “HBA are pleased to have supported Dubai Racing Club and RMG in securing a global audience to the Dubai World Cup. We continually strive to bring first-time partners on board to broadcast the sport of horse racing, and we have done this through multiple new broadcasters and platforms.”

Ends

Boodles Gold Cup: First live broadcast on US national TV hailed “resounding success”

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:58:14 GMT

Monday, 21st March - Jump racing could receive further valuable exposure on mainstream TV in the US, after the broadcast of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup was hailed a ‘resounding success’ following its airing on Fox Sports yesterday (Friday 18th March).

The brilliant win by Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard, in front of a packed Cheltenham Racecourse, impressed American television executives, who had made the trip to Cheltenham to experience the atmosphere for themselves for the first time.

Tony Allevato, Chief Revenue Officer of NYRA, which oversees all US and international horse racing production for Fox Sports, described the day as a “major league sporting event”.

Fox Sports, working with HBA Media and Racecourse Media Group, took the Racing TV feed, fronted by Nick Luck, for the hour around the Gold Cup.

Allevato said: “Through our partnerships with HBA Media and Racecourse Media Group, we televised the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Fox Sports, which goes into 55 million homes. It was the first time the race was shown on national TV in the US.

“We show a lot of international racing on Fox Sports, but this was the first time we’ve shown Jump racing from outside of the US.

“Fox broadcasts some of the biggest sporting events in the world, the football World Cup, World Series, Superbowl – and now the Cheltenham Gold Cup. We’ve had a lot of good feedback and it was a resounding success.

“Hopefully this is a starting point, and a chance to educate our viewers and get them familiar with Jump racing. We broadcast 900 hours of racing on Fox last year and to add Jump racing to that schedule can only be a positive thing.

“It was my first time to Cheltenham. I’d heard great things, but I couldn’t be more impressed. The size of the place, the crowds, everyone dressed to the nines – it is quite incredible. It’s a proper major league sporting event.”

Ian Renton, Regional Director of Cheltenham and the South-West for The Jockey Club added:

“We were thrilled for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup to be broadcast on mainstream TV in the US for the first time, thanks to Fox Sports, and offer a window into the world of top-class jumps racing, and all the drama and excitement that goes with it.

“Hopefully the appetite will be whetted for more Jumps racing coverage in the US.”

Ends

FoxSports, Sky Sports UK, Sony and Disney headline broadcasters secured for theworld’s most valuable race – the Saudi Cup

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 14:26:25 GMT

22nd February 2022 – For the third consecutive year, HBA Media have expanded the global broadcast distribution for the much-anticipated Saudi Cup, which takes place this Saturday, 26th February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.

Reflecting the Saudi Cup’s growing standing within the global horseracing calendar and its newly appointed Grade One status, HBA Media have attracted seven new broadcast partners for 2022 , with over 30 individual broadcasters distributing coverage into over 150 territories worldwide .

Fox Sports will broadcast all the action into the USA, which will feature the running of Saudi Cup. TVG, the USA horseracing dedicated network, will also showcase the event in full.

Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV will provide coverage in the UK. Virgin Media will broadcast in Ireland on free-to-air, with local audiences hoping Irish-bred Mishriff will become the event’s first ever dual champion.

Audiences across Latin and South America will be eager for a local winner of the event in the form of Brazilian horse Aero Trem, with Disney-owned OTT platform Star+ and ESPN providing strong streaming and linear coverage throughout the region .

In 2022, HBA Media have significantly increased the coverage across Asia and in key territories like China, India and SE Asia.

Sony Pictures Networks will broadcast the Saudi Cup live for the very first time across India and the Indian subcontinent through its linear channels. Eclat will showcase the event across South-East Asia on its linear networks and digital platform, SPOTV. Digital platform Wasu.TV will also broadcast the event into China.

Dubai Media Incorporated will broadcast the event for the first time into the UAE, signalling the Saudi Cup’s growing standing in the region.

After a very successful partnership in 2021, Twitter will again live stream the Saudi Cup within Saudi Arabia, looking to build on the 5.8 million views the event received last year. Saudi TV continue to be the host broadcaster.

European broadcasters continue to see the value of the $20 million dollar race, with RAI (Italy), Match TV (Russia), Polsat (Poland), Nent (Scandinavia), LiveNow (Italy, France and Germany) and Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia) all supporting the event – seeing a total of 15 unique broadcasters taking the event across Europe.

An expanded slate of live and delayed content has been created and distributed by HBA Media to further promote and enhance the value of the Saudi Cup. IMG Productions will produce an innovative five-hour live raceday coverage, alongside a bespoke Golden Hour production that features the live running of the world’s most valuable race.

Broadcasters taking live coverage include:

North and South America, plus the Caribbean: Fox Sports (US), SportsMax (Caribbean), Star+ (Latin America and South America), ESPN (Caribbean and Latin America), TVG (US) and TSN (Canada).

Europe: Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV (UK, ROI), RAI (Italy), Virgin Media (Ireland), LIVENow / Eleven Sports (Italy, France, Germany), Polsat (Poland), Match TV (Russia), Sport TV (Portugal), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), Equidia (France), BeIN and Turkey Jockey Club TV (Turkey), NENT (Scandinavia), Silknet (Georgia) and CYTA (Cyprus).

Asia Pacific: Green Channel (Japan), Wasu.TV (China), Sony Pictures Networks (India), Eclat (Pan Regional), Racing.com (Australia) and Spark Sport (New Zealand).

Africa and MENA: DMI (Dubai), Saudi TV (KSA), Twitter (KSA) and Super Sport (South Africa),

News and highlight outlets: Sports Confidential, Reuters and Transworld Sports.

Tom Ryan, Saudi Cup Strategic & International Racing Director, said: “We are pleased that so many people around the world will be able to watch the Saudi Cup on Saturday February 26th, thanks to HBA Media’s distribution. This is an event that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very proud of having launched the race and event from scratch just three years ago. We hope it continues to act as a launch pad to further development of our growing racing industry.”

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “The Saudi Cup is firmly established within the international racing calendar and continues to go from strength to strength, not only as a race but as a global sporting event. HBA Media is proud to have delivered an improved global distribution for this year’s event, which reflects the significance of the raceday and sport within Saudi Arabia.”

Ends

2022 Pegasus World Cup attracts commitment from major global OTT broadcasters

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:27:18 GMT

24th January 2022 – The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) on Saturday, 29th January will enjoy significantly improved reach this year, with the USA’s premier entertainment and thoroughbred horseracing event to be broadcast in over 120 countries courtesy of the partnership between 1/ST, owners and operators of the Pegasus World Cup, and HBA Media.

Headlining the distribution agreements are three major global OTT and pay TV broadcasters including Eleven through their LiveNow platform (France, Germany and Italy), Disney through Star+ (Latin America) and Eclat (South-East Asia). These ground-breaking partnerships will deliver expanded reach for the event and unlock new audiences across the globe.

HBA Media have also attracted a new Chinese broadcast partner - Wasu.TV - owned by Sky Dreamworks. The digital platform (Wasu.TV) will broadcast the event into China having acquired highlights rights for the event.

A further collection of major networks will showcase the 2022 Pegasus World Cup. Alongside the host broadcaster, NBC (USA), international coverage includes:

Sky Sports Racing (UK and Ireland)
Match TV (Russia)
Polsat (Poland)
SilkNet (Georgia)
NENT (Scandinavia)
Turkey Jockey Club (Turkey)
Sport TV (Portugal)
Setanta Sports (Baltics / Eurasia)
Kanel75 (Scandinavia)
Equidia (France)
SuperSport (Africa)
SportsMax (Caribbean)
ESPN Latin America (Pan Regional and Caribbean)
Racing.com (Australia)

Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) will broadcast delayed coverage to a 700+ million audience to the Indian subcontinent. LCTV, Sports Unlimited, Sports Confidential and Reuters will provide race content to news outlets across the world.

All broadcasters will be supported with an expanded suite of promotional and highlights content to help attract an engaged audience and enhanced interest in the event.

A total of seven graded-races worth $5.2 million in combined purse winnings will be offered on Pegasus Day, led by the return of the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) and the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1). The two feature races will co-headline the Saturday, 29thJanuary race card at 1/ST ’s Gulfstream Park in South Florida which is being distributed to a global audience through a 90-minute bespoke on-air package live at 16:30 local time / 21:30 GMT.

The defending champion ‘Knicks Go’ will seek to become the first repeat event winner following his success in 2021. However, the Korea Racing Authority-owned horse faces stiff competition – the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile Champion ‘Life is Good’ headlines an 18-strong list of contenders to the crown in the $3million Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“We are enormously proud to begin these new, exciting partnerships with three major OTT platforms for the 2022 Pegasus World Cup. The Pegasus World Cup continues to go from strength to strength, and the vastly extended global audience reach clearly demonstrates the popularity of this compelling hybrid event that blends the best of sport and lifestyle.

“We are thrilled with the increased reach and commercial outcomes for 1/ST, who are a terrific partner.”

Gregg Colvin, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST CONTENT, adds:

"Since 2017, the Pegasus World Cup has captured the attention of the racing world thanks, in part, to 1/ST's ongoing partnership with HBA Media. We are thrilled to be working with this new network of OTT partners along with our already expansive group of broadcast distributors to bring the entertainment, lifestyle and world-class racing programme of the 2022 Pegasus World Cup to viewers around the world!"

Ends

Knicks Go, Life Is Good, Flightline Top Pegasus World Cup (G1) Invitations ( Pegasus Turf (G1), Filly & Mare Turf (G3) Also on Jan. 29 Program )

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 14:27:58 GMT

9th January 2022 – Defending champion and projected 2021 Horse of the Year Knicks Go, Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Life Is Good, and undefeated Malibu (G1) winner Flightline highlight a list of 19 horses invited to compete in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Saturday, Jan. 29 at Gulfstream Park.

A total of seven graded-stakes worth $5.2 million in purses will be offered on Pegasus Day, led by the return of the Pegasus World Cup (G1) and $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) and the debut of the $500,000 Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf (G3).

All three races are for 4-year-olds and up. The Pegasus World Cup and Pegasus Turf are both contested at 1 1/8 miles while the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf, previously run as the Marshua’s River, will be run at 1 1/16 miles.

Korea Racing Authority’s Knicks Go ended 2021 on a four-race win streak, all in graded-stakes, including the Whitney (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Winner of the 2020 Dirt Mile, he began last year with an emphatic 2 ¾-length triumph in the Pegasus World Cup and is seeking to become its first repeat champion.

Also among invitees to the Pegasus World Cup from the barn of trainer Brad Cox are Concert Tour and Mandaloun. Gary and Mary West homebred Concert Tour won the San Vicente (G2) and Rebel (G2) in 2021 but has not raced since finishing ninth in the Preakness (G1), all for previous trainer Bob Baffert. Juddmonte homebred Mandaloun ran second to Medina Spirit in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and is also coming off a layoff following his triumph in the Haskell (G1).

WinStar Farm’s and CHC Inc.’s and Life Is Good was dominant in a front-running 5 ¾-length victory in the Dirt Mile Nov. 6 at Del Mar, his fifth win from six career starts and first Grade 1 after triumphs in the Kelso (G2), San Felipe (G2) and Sham (G3) last year. He has been breezing regularly since mid-December in South Florida for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher.

“Life Is Good we’ve been pointing for the Pegasus since the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. He got a short freshening at WinStar and he’s come in with that as our goal,” Pletcher said. “Everything has gone according to plan. He’s never run at Gulfstream, but he’s the kind of horse where his style should suit Gulfstream well.”

Other Pletcher-trained horses on the Pegasus World Cup invite list are Dr Post, Fearless and Happy Saver. St. Elias Stable’s Dr Post is a two-time Grade 3 winner that is 2-0 at Gulfstream including the 2020 Unbridled; Repole Stable’s Fearless exits a victory in Gulfstream’s Harlan’s Holiday (G3) Dec. 18; and Wertheimer and Frere homebred Happy Saver won the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) as a 3-year-old in 2020 then ran second in defense of his title as well as the Nov. 24 Clark (G1).

The $150,000 Fred W. Hooper (G3) for 4-year-olds and up going one mile on the main track as part of the undercard is also an alternative.

“Not sure who else we could potentially have for it. We’re kind of waiting to see how Dr Post and Happy Saver and Fearless train. We also have the mile race that day on the dirt as an option for those horses,” Pletcher said. “We’re also considering maybe Happy Saver going to Saudi, so we’re just kind of, as always, seeing how everyone’s training and how they’re coming up to these.”

Undefeated Malibu (G1) winner Flightline, trainer by John Sadler, has raced only three times but has won those races by a combined 37 ½ lengths while being hand ridden to the finish line in each. Sadler has not announced any plans for Flightline’s next race.

Completing the Pegasus World Cup invitations are 2019 American Pharoah (G1) winner Eight Rings; multiple graded-stakes winner Express Train; 2021 Pat O’Brien (G2) winner Ginobili; millionaire 2021 Lecomte (G3) winner Midnight Bourbon; 2019 Belmont (G1) winner Sir Winston and 2021 Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Super Stock.

Concert Tour, Endorsed and Fearless are among the invitees on the also-eligible list, along with Chess Chief, Officiating, Stilleto Boy and Title Ready.

$3 MILLION PEGASUS WORLD CUP (G1) INVITATIONS

Dr Post

Eight Rings

Express Train

Flightline

Ginobili

Happy Saver

Knicks Go

Life Is Good

Mandaloun

Midnight Bourbon

Sir Winston

Super Stock

AE – Chess Chief

AE – Concert Tour

AE – Endorsed

AE – Fearless

AE – Officiating

AE – Stilleto Boy

AE – Title Ready

ENDS

Racecourse Media Group and HBA Media unite to maximise international media rights for British and Irish horse racing

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:39:31 GMT

16th December 2021 - Racecourse Media Group (RMG), responsible for a range of racecourses’ media rights businesses, is delighted to be collaborating with HBA Media, the pre-eminent horseracing media rights agency, to market and distribute British and Irish horseracing to an international audience, as part of a three-year representation agreement.

The new arrangement means HBA Media, working closely with RMG, will globally showcase RMG’s British and Irish portfolio, including feature events such as the Randox Grand National Festival, the Cazoo Derby Festival, the Qatar ‘Glorious Goodwood’ Festival, the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, Longines Irish Champions Weekend and QIPCO British Champions Day. The international showpiece events – the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the Bahrain International Trophy – are also among the portfolio.

The deal complements HBA Media’s existing commercial agreements with Ascot Racecourse that incorporates the Royal Meeting as well as all their Flat and National Hunt racing, plus the very best overseas contests, such as the Lexus Melbourne Cup, the Breeders’ Cup, the Pegasus World Cup and the richest race in the world – the Saudi Cup, which has been granted valuable Group 1 status.

This new portfolio of top-class events forms an unrivalled year-long international racing calendar and a one-stop shop for broadcasters looking for premium horseracing.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said: “Our new alliance with RMG as distribution partner for their premier British, Irish, Dubai and Bahrain racing further bolsters HBA Media’s ability to package the very best events from around the world under one umbrella, to the benefit of all federations we are fortunate to work with and represent. Through this aggregation of global rights, we can look forward to leveraging the unique nature of each individual event, driving a higher commercial outcome for the collective. Our broadcast clients have been eager for one consistent package of racing that covers 12 months of the year. We are delighted to be teaming up with the highly respected RMG and believe that this collaboration not only adds further weight to our offering, but it completes the circle.”

Martin Stevenson, Chief Executive of Racecourse Media Group, added: “HBA Media has consistently delivered significant value from international media rights over a 15-year period and we are delighted that, through the combined packaging of both our content sets, British and Irish racing can reach a greater global audience. The broadcast landscape remains a competitive market and, for horseracing to thrive, the need for a month-to-month compelling sporting calendar is now stronger than ever and something that this collaboration can effectively deliver.”

ENDS

Bahrain International Trophy to be shown live in 130 countries

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 15:06:18 GMT

18th November 2021 - The global horseracing spotlight will be firmly on the Bahrain International Trophy on Friday, November 19, with the Kingdom’s showpiece race attracting unprecedented television interest.

The £500,000 contest has attracted 14 runners from six countries including four-time Group 1 winner, Barney Roy, trained by one of the world’s best trainers, Charlie Appleby. The race, which also sees a strong local contingent, is due off at 4pm local time (1pm GMT).

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media, two of the leading horseracing media rights companies, working with the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) in Bahrain, have secured widespread global coverage of the event which will be available to view in 130 countries.

Broadcasters taking live coverage include Fox Sports in the US, ESPN in Latin America and Caribbean, and SuperSport in Africa.

In addition to ESPN, the Caribbean will be served by SportsMax and 17 countries in the Middle East and North Africa will have access to the race through the Dubai Racing Channel, Yas TV and Bahrain TV. Saudi TV will show a recording, as will the Green Channel and Tellytrack to its Japanese and South African audiences.

Live coverage will be taken by RMG’s TV channel, Racing TV, plus Sky Sports Racing, in the UK and Ireland, while ITV, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, will feature the race in its Saturday programming.

Other broadcasters taking live coverage in Europe include NENT (the Nordics), Match (Russia), SilkNet (Georgia) and Equidia (France).

RMG is also delighted to be working with Timeline TV in co-producing the live one-hour world feed programme.

Executive Director at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, Sheikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa, said: “For some of the world’s leading broadcasters, such as Fox Sports, ESPN and SuperSport, to devote valuable airtime to the Bahrain International Trophy, in only its third year, is testament to the rapid and unrelenting growth of Bahrain racing on the international sporting calendar. We are delighted with the interest.”

Seb Vance, Director of Communications and International TV Distribution at RMG, said: “It is a real honour to be working with the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club again. Both RMG and HBA couldn’t be happier with the take-up from international broadcasters. The race is bursting with quality, and we look forward to conveying all the colour and excitement from Sakhir Racecourse, in a special one-hour world feed programme, which RMG is co-producing with Timeline TV.”

A runner-by-runner guide to the Bahrain International Trophy is available on the Racing TV website here .

Ends

2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships secures a multi-million global audience

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:53:23 GMT

3rd November 2021 - One of the world’s most famous horseracing events – the Breeders’ Cup World Championships – has once again secured a widespread global audience, in partnership with HBA Media, the preeminent media rights agency that specialises in global distribution and the production of top-class horseracing.

The NBC-produced multiple-hour broadcast starts on Friday, 5th November and concludes Saturday, 6th November. Coverage includes a nine-race card featuring the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic and the $4 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf.

With horseracing presenters Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani on-course for ITV Racing (UK), the mainstream terrestrial channel will broadcast the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for the very first time. This will be complemented by UK-based broadcasters, Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing, showcasing the full Breeders’ Cup weekend – incorporating all races from the two-day meeting.

The World Championships will be shown by multiple international networks across some 120 territories including African broadcaster SuperSport, plus European channels – Match TV (Russia), SILKNET (Georgia), Polsat (Poland), BEIN (Turkey), NENT (Scandinavia), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia) and Sport TV (Portugal) .

Other major networks showcasing the entire raceday include Racing.com (Australia), Astro (Malaysia), DMI (Dubai) and ADM (Abu Dhabi) which serve the Middle East. ESPN will cater for the Latin American and Caribbean audiences – complemented by SportsMax who will provide the event with additional coverage. Forty-seven countries in Africa will have access to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships via SuperSport.

The full broadcaster schedule also includes Asian coverage in Japan via The Green Channel and China with Beijing TV, Wuhan TV and Shanghai TV.

Key races will be widely available to news outlets across the world through Reuters and Sports Confidential.

Anticipation surrounding this year’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic is centered around U.S.-based trainer, Brad Cox, who holds an enviable pair of aces in the form of Knicks Go and Essential Quality. The stablemates currently lead the betting market.

The 2021 Pegasus World Invitational Cup winner, Knicks Go, is described by his trainer as “a very good horse last year, and an even better horse now!” Owned by the Korea Racing Authority, the striking grey has banked over $5.5 million in total prize money and is determined to add a further $6 million to the pot.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a global event that transcends the sporting landscape. We have continued to secure improved coverage for this prestigious international race meeting with multiple broadcasters taking coverage worldwide.”

Justin McDonald, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Breeders’ Cup, said: “The Breeders’ Cup is delighted that, through our long-term partnership with HBA Media, the World Championships’ thrilling two days of racing will be seen by millions of fans across the globe.”

Ends

2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup expanded content offering achieves worldwide distribution

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:50:47 GMT

29th October 2021 - Australia’s most celebrated horse racing and entertainment event – the Lexus Melbourne Cup (Tuesday, 2nd November) – will in 2021, not only have a strong worldwide audience but also thousands of fans returning to Flemington Racecourse. HBA Media have worked closely with the Victoria Racing Club, to generate significant global broadcast interest in the ‘Race that Stops the Nation’.

Leading network Sky Sports (UK) will broadcast all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, while Fox Sports (USA) will exclusively broadcast the Lexus Melbourne Cup in the USA, utilising a bespoke two-hour world-feed production to a potential audience in excess of 80 million.

To support the live broadcasts, HBA Media and the VRC will produce two preview programmes and a highlights programme to further enhance the reach of the event; and to allow broadcasters increased optionality when they promote the Lexus Melbourne Cup to their audiences.

Australia’s feature raceday will once again retain a strong European footprint who will showcase the European contenders that have headed ‘down under’ as they chase a slice of the $8 million prize pool. These include Match TV (Russia), Silknet (Georgia), Polsat (Poland), BEIN (Turkey), NENT (Scadinavia), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia) and Sport TV (Portugal).

Full global distribution includes:

Africa and MENA: Super Sport (Africa) and Dubai Racing Channel (UAE)
North and South America: Fox Sports 1 (America), TSN (Canada), Pan-regional broadcasters ESPN Latin-America (Latam and Caribbean) and SportsMax (Caribbean)
Europe: Sky Sports Racing (UK and Ireland), Match TV (Russia), SILKNET (Georgia), POLSAT (Poland), BEIN (Turkey), NENT (Scandinvia), Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia) and Sport TV (Portugal)
Asia Pacific: Channel 10 (Australia), Astro (Malaysia), Wuhan TV / Shanghai TV / Beijing TV (China) and Fiji TV (Fiji).

Reuters and Sports Confidential will ensure further reach with news and delayed programming support worldwide.

Nick Addison, Executive General Manager of Commercial Operations at the Victoria Racing Club, said: “The VRC is focused on building a broad audience ecosystem to optimise the global reach of the Melbourne Cup Carnival via multiple distribution channels.

“HBA Media plays a critical role in helping us achieve our goals and we are very fortunate to, through our partnership, receive the benefit of their unparalleled expertise across the global sporting media landscape”.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, added: “We are thrilled to have worked with the VRC on expanding their content slate, which adds significant value to broadcasters. We are delighted to have provided the VRC with strong worldwide coverage and welcome Fox Sports to our broadcaster stable for the Lexus Melbourne Cup.”

Ends

Armed Forces announced as official charities for Royal Ascot 2021

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Mon, 24 May 2021 12:08:16 GMT

19th May 2021 - Ascot Racecourse is delighted to announce that the three principal single Service Armed Forces charities, comprising the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund, will be the official nominated charity partners for Royal Ascot 2021.

The charities have traditionally been supported and promoted on the Friday of Royal Ascot, with more than £20,000 normally raised from bucket collections alone on the day.

This year they will have an extended presence across the five days of the Royal Meeting to help them raise much needed funds which have been impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ascot Racecourse will work in partnership with the Armed Forces charities to raise awareness of their work by promoting the personal stories of their servicemen and women through digital content, on-course activations and in the Royal Ascot racecard.

As in previous years, Ascot Racecourse will be making a donation from the sale of certain food and beverage in addition to a donation of 1% of sales by our concessionaires on the Friday of Royal Ascot.

Ascot Racecourse will also be making a donation from the sale of its Royal Ascot Hampers which will be available to purchase from the Online Ascot Shop. £5 for each two-person hamper sold and £10 for each six-person hamper sold will be donated to the Armed Forces charities.

Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs, said: “We are delighted to confirm this charity partnership with the Armed Forces charities for Royal Ascot this year.

“Typically, racegoers really engage with the three charities on the Friday and it will be fantastic to see some of the military personnel and volunteers back on site through the week.

“Having been unable to welcome them last year due to the pandemic, we are really pleased to extend our relationship across all five days and look forward to helping them raise much needed funds and awareness of the work they do.”

Brigadier Peter Walker OBE, Chairman of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in Berkshire, said: “The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund are delighted to be the official nominated charity partners for Royal Ascot 2021.

“The three charities have been working with Ascot Racecourse at Royal Ascot since 2013 and it is with great pleasure that we are able to continue and strengthen our relationship this year.

“The members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF who will be at Royal Ascot are very much looking forward to the event, and the three charities would like to thank everyone involved for their support which helps to assist Armed Forces personnel, both past and present, in times of need.”

ENDS

£6 million prize money at Royal Ascot 2021

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 10:34:10 GMT

Tuesday 9 th March 2021 - Prize money for Royal Ascot 2021 is today announced at £6 million over the week – a 66% increase on the £3.61m offered in 2020. The Royal Meeting will take place from 15th to 19th June and the full order of running with race values for the extended programme announced in January is attached .

The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, which takes place in July, will be run for £875,000 (2020: £400,000).

Guy Henderson, Chief Executive Officer at Ascot Racecourse, said:

“In 2020 we had hoped to offer record prize money of more than £8 million at the Royal Meeting. In the event the pandemic made that impossible and we have now spent nearly a year racing behind closed doors with trading income down 80%. This year’s prize money of £6 million represents 75% of what we had originally planned for 2020.

“With restricted attendances in 2021 and pandemic insurance cover no longer available, the business will need to absorb a significant loss this year in order to deliver our wish to support the industry with the most prize money that we can prudently afford. Whilst Covid-19 has knocked back our long term financial trajectory by several years, our aim is to make the largest steps we can towards getting prize money levels back on track as soon as possible.

“Without owners we would have no racing. We are very grateful for their commitment and thank them for their support. We look forward to being able to increase prize money further as soon as it is possible for us to do so.

“We are also very grateful to our official partners, QIPCO and Longines, as well as our official suppliers, sponsors, broadcast partners and betting media partners. All of their support is deeply appreciated.

“We at Ascot much look forward to being able to welcome back our racegoers in June and delivering a special week of racing, both for those who are able to be with us on site and the many millions who will be with us in spirit through our broadcast and digital channels.”

Meanwhile, Ascot’s Flat Season begins with Royal Ascot Trials Day on 28th April, where the Longines Sagaro Stakes and the Merriebelle Stable Commonwealth Cup Trial, both Group Three, will each be run for £70,000 (Minimum Values £45,000 in Programme Book One).

Notes to Editors:

On 18th January, it was announced that Royal Ascot would permanently be extended from six to seven race cards.

Prize money for the 2021 Flat Season was still work in progress when the British Pattern Book was published and, therefore, 2020 values are listed in that book and the European equivalent. Owners and trainers should refer to the online BHA programme books for confirmed values.

ENDS

American Ace Knicks Go Primed for Saudi Cup Mission

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 15:48:02 GMT

9th February 2021 - Pegasus World Cup winner Knicks Go has been reported in great form ahead of his attempt to add the $20million Saudi Cup to his big-race haul.

The five-year-old guaranteed his place in the world’s most valuable race when landing the Pegasus at Gulfstream Park in America last month. He had previously won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in November.

His trainer Brad Cox was pleased with what he saw when Knicks Go completed his last breeze before travelling to Saudi Arabi ahead of the two-day Saudi Cup meeting on February 19 and 20.

He revealed: “Knicks Go breezed very well on Saturday and he looked good on Sunday morning. I was very pleased with the work and, more importantly, how he looked after the work.

“Everything is going in the right direction. He’s carrying his weight well and I’m happy with the way he’s moving.

“The great horses like him are what you wake up for every morning. He’s a fantastic horse and hopefully an international horse after February 20.”

Knicks Go, owned by the Korea Racing Authority, galloped his rivals into the dirt in the Pegasus. He made all the running having started in his usual lightning-fast manner before pulling clear under Joel Rosario, who will again be on board in The Saudi Cup.

Cox admitted the impressive two-and-a-half length defeat of Jesus’ Team, who was also runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, was not unexpected.

He said: “Going into the Pegasus he gave us a lot of confidence with the way he was training. We had the confidence he would perform well and he did – we were proud of the effort and he bounced out of it in good order.

“He proved in the Pegasus he can get 1800m at Grade 1 level against some very, very good horses so now we have to transfer that to a one-turn 1800m in Saudi. We’re looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity.

“He’s got a lot of speed and he can carry that speed over a mile or further. We’re not going to take away anything that comes easy to him. His weapon is his speed but once the gate opens that’s Joel’s decision of where to place him, but you’d have to think he’ll be in a very forward position in the race.”

Knicks Go will have to travel more than 7,000 miles to Saudi Arabia but Cox has no worries about his star coping with the journey or the course at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh.

He said: “It’s the first time we’ve run a horse on the other side of the world so there’s always a little bit of a concern, but I don’t really feel it will be with him.

“He’s got a great mind on him and he ships well. He obviously shipped to Gulfstream in good order and he doesn’t get worked up – he knows when to shut it off and when to turn it on. He’s got a lot of class so I really don’t think it will be something that affects him at all.

“I’ve heard from a couple of horsemen that the track in Saudi has a great surface – very good to race on, so I’m excited about it.”

The magnitude of having one of the leading contenders for the world’s most valuable race is not lost on Cox.

He added: “It’s huge. It’s something you dream about. It’s only the second year of The Saudi Cup’s existence but it’s already captured the eyes of the entire racing world.

“It would be a tremendous accomplishment if we were able to win the race. It’s an accomplishment in itself to have a horse that’s capable of qualifying for it.”

ENDS

HBA Media secures increased global coverage for the 2021 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 14:20:20 GMT

21st January 2021 – The fifth running of the $3 million USD Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) will enjoy significant and improved reach in 2021, with North America’s premier lifestyle horseracing event securing a multi-million global audience.

The 2021 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series includes the $3 million USD Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) and the $1 million USD Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1). Two of North America’s richest stakes races will co-headline the Saturday, 23rd January race card 1/ST ’s Gulfstream Park, Miami. A 90-minute live bespoke on-air package will start at 16:30 local time (21:30 GMT).

1/ST and its appointed distribution partner, HBA Media, has secured a number of major networks for the 2021 Pegasus World Cup, headlined by NBC in the US and nine first-time broadcasters. These include:

· European broadcasters: Sky Sports Racing (UK and Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), Match TV (Russia), Polsat (Poland), Movistar (Spain), SilkNet (Georgia), BEIN (Turkey), Sport TV (Portugal) and Setanta Sports (Baltics / Eurasia).

· Latin America via ESPN and the Caribbean through a partnership with Sportsmax.

· Australia is covered by Racing.com and Sky Thoroughbred Central.

· FITE, a leading global OTT platform for live sport and entertainment, will make its horseracing debut by showcasing the Pegasus World Cup across 20+ territories.

· Sports Confidential, SNTV and Reuters will provide race content to news outlets across the world.

The 2021 race will be headed in the betting by Knicks Go, owned by Korea Racing Authority (KRA) and trained by Louisville native Brad Cox. With 20-years of experience, Cox has developed a world-class stable that earned nearly $19 million in 2020 and successfully produced four Breeders’ Cup winners in November. The four-year-old has all the potential to win this race; and has showcased his credentials already this season having been undefeated in three starts since being transferred to the yard. Other contenders with a significant chance of winning the feature race include Tax and Code of Honor - both are high speed performers with reputational form and campaigns centred around the Pegasus World Cup.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“In these extraordinary times, our team has once again successfully delivered a global distribution worthy of this wonderful hybrid event; one that blends the best of sport with an enviable lifestyle / celebrity nuance that only Miami could serve up.

“Throughout the pandemic, horseracing has shone as a sport that works exceptionally well for broadcasters – with or without spectators - and consequently, the channels have been rewarded with increased interest from their audience. The Pegasus World Cup continues to go from strength to strength.”

Ends

America’s Breeders’ Cup secures a multi-million global audience

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 11:14:57 GMT

5th November 2020 - One of the world’s most famous horseracing events – the Breeders’ Cup – has once again secured a widespread global audience, courtesy of HBA Media, the preeminent media rights agency that specialises in global distribution and production of top-class horseracing.

The NBC-produced six-hour broadcast starts tomorrow on Friday, November 6th and concludes Saturday, 7th November and includes a nine-racecard featuring the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic and the $4 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf.

The behind-closed-doors raceday will be shown by multiple international networks across 115 territories, including Eurosport India, pan-regional African broadcaster SuperSport (Africa), Match TV (Russia) plus a host of new European channels – Polsat (Poland), Movistar (Spain), Sport Deutschland (Germany), beIN SPORTS (Turkey) and SilkNet (Georgia.)

Sky Sports Racing will broadcast the full Breeders’ Cup weekend, incorporating all races from the two-day meeting, to reinforce their position as the UK’s home of international horseracing. Coverage will be supported by an engaging digital campaign to provide the UK and Irish audience with all the latest news on the leading contenders and trackside action.

Other major networks showcasing the entire raceday include TSN (Canada), Racing.com (Australia); DMI (Dubai) and ADM (Abu Dhabi), which serve the Middle East. Forty-seven countries in Africa will have access to the Breeders’ Cup via SuperSport. ESPN will cater for the Latin American and Caribbean audiences - complemented by SportsMax who will provide the event with additional coverage.

The full broadcaster schedule also includes global coverage in Japan via The Green Channel and China with Beijing TV, Wuhan TV and Shanghai TV.

Key races will be widely available to news outlets across the world through SNTV, Reuters and Inverleigh.

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, said: “The Breeders’ Cup is a global event that transcends the sporting landscape. To secure multiple broadcasters, including major new partners for this prestigious raceday, is a great achievement and ensures that international horseracing retains its worldwide following.”

Peter Rotondo, Vice President for Media & Entertainment at the Breeders’ Cup, said: “The Breeders’ Cup is delighted that through our long-term partnership with HBA Media, once again, our event has achieved a strong global audience.”

In a year that has been anything but normal, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Racecourse has successfully secured 201 pre-entered horses for this year’s event, with 39 making the trip from outside North America.

The feature contest – Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (1m2f) - has attracted a 10-runner field in which Tiz the Law trained by Barclay Tagg heads the betting market having enjoyed a dream season throughout much of 2020. Improbable, Authentic and Maximum Security form a strong contingent for trainer Bob Baffert, who is seeking his fourth Classic win.

Ends

The Melbourne Cup looks to ‘restart the nation’ as it attracts worldwide audience

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 10:48:04 GMT

29th October 2020 - The world-renowned Lexus Melbourne Cup (Tuesday, 3rd November), will be broadcast far and wide with HBA Media securing global distribution across all continents as the ‘race that stops the nation’ looks to ‘restart the nation’ in 2020.

Celebrating the 160th year of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, HBA Media will distribute a blockbuster international bespoke programme brimming with high profile entertainment acts, a nod to the rich history of the event and a strong focus on the contingent of international competitors that will descend on Flemington.

A number of major networks will support the event for the first time - these include: Eurosport India (India), Supersport (Africa), Polsat (Poland), Movistar (Spain), Sport Deutschland (Germany) and beIN SPORTS (Turkey).

A strong European footprint is further supported by Sky Sports (UK and Ireland), Match TV (Russia), Silknet (Georgia) and Equidia (France).

DMI (Dubai) and ADM (Abu Dhabi) will continue their valued support of the event while pan-regional broadcasters ESPN Latin-America (Latam and Caribbean) and SportsMax (Caribbean) along with Wuhan TV / Shanghai TV / Beijing TV (China) and Fiji TV (Fiji) will ensure global territories total over 120.

SNTV and Inverleigh will ensure further reach providing news and delayed programming support worldwide.

For the first time, and in conjunction with the Victoria Racing Club, a special one-hour preview programme will be widely distributed to broadcasters, further extending the narrative and footprint of the event.

Nick Addison, Executive General Manager of Commercial Operations at the Victoria Racing Club, said: “Once again, the Lexus Melbourne Cup has successfully attracted a cracking field of international contenders and entertainment sensations befitting the 160th running of this event.

“HBA Media has worked closely with the VRC, to ensure that our brand and raceday retains a strong global platform.”

Henry Birtles, CEO HBA Media, added: “We are thrilled to have again secured a vast global distribution footprint for the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

“This year’s event represents our seventh year working hand-in-hand with the VRC to ensure that the race that stops a nation, is seen by a multitude of others.”

Ends

HBA Media signs two-year yard sponsorship with Tom George Racing

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 13:38:01 GMT

6th October 2020 – Tom George is delighted to announce that HBA Media has entered into a two-year yard sponsorship deal, which will see the international media rights agency’s brand proudly adorn owners’ silks, stable staff clothing and equine equipment for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, in support of one of the UK’s leading racing stables.

HBA Media manage international sales and distribution for some of the world’s most famous horseracing events including Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Cup, Breeders’ Cup, the Saudi Cup and the Pegasus World Cup. The agency also co-ordinates multiple live horseracing programmes and provides a dedicated service and daily management to a range of clients.

The new yard sponsorship complements the annual rolling support of amateur jockey Noel George. Noel continues to enjoy his athletic pastime whilst developing his career as an assistant trainer.

Tom George, Racehorse Trainer, said:

“I am very appreciative and thankful to HBA Media for increasing their association with Tom George Racing. This latest development provides our yard with a significant commercial agreement, which enables us to continue to deliver outstanding value and performance for our owners.

“We have an exciting season ahead and are thrilled that HBA Media will be involved in what we hope will include some high-grade winners and with a fair wind, a few moments for racing’s history books.”

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“We are delighted to have heightened our partnership with Tom George Racing and extremely proud to see the HBA Media brand associated with one of the UK’s most prolific training establishments.

“At HBA Media we are committed to horseracing and we look forward to working with Team Tom George throughout the agreed term – exploring ways to maximise awareness of this great sport.”

Ends

Destinations revealed for new-look Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 11:27:50 GMT

1st September 2020 - For the first time in its 17 year history, this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will be a combination of physical and virtual visits to communities across Australia.

The People’s Cup will visit 27 destinations as part of this year’s exclusively domestic schedule.

The coveted $200,000 trophy will virtually visit towns across our nation including the fire affected towns of Marlo, Buchan and Mallacoota in Victoria, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Casino in New South Wales and Latrobe in Tasmania. The trophy will also visit the hospice of the VRC’s 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival Pin and Win partner Very Special Kids in Bendigo, Victoria.

The tour will also visit the owners of the reigning Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare in Gympie in rural Queensland.

From there, it’s on to Katherine in the Northern Territory to revisit the Everett family in continued support of Dolly’s Dream.

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) last visited the Everett family on tour in 2018, sharing the People’s Cup with the community and raising funds for Dolly’s Dream, an anti-bullying organisation the Everett’s established in memory of their daughter Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett.

The VRC hopes to conduct Victorian visits in October in person, restrictions permitting.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep will return for a second year, with 24 rural and regional destinations to be allocated a barrier for the 2020 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

The town that draws the barrier of the Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to put towards a charity for a local community initiative.

Bunyip in regional Victoria took home the $50,000 donation last year and put the money towards several community initiatives including assisting with the rebuild of community facilities following the Bunyip State Park fires in March 2019.

VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott said it was more important than ever to share the magic of the iconic trophy with Australians.

“This year has been exceptionally challenging for all Australians. Devastating drought and catastrophic bushfires, as well as a global pandemic have contributed to a sense of isolation, uncertainty and in many cases financial hardship. This has amplified the importance of community and connectedness,” Mrs Elliott said.

“In the year of the 160th running of our great race, we are looking forward to connecting withpeople in a very modern way. To be able to share stories, celebrate favourite moments, whilst raising much needed funds for a large range of worthy causes.”

As the Principal Partner of the VRC, Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said Lexus is honoured to be supporting this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.“

Lexus is looking forward to entering its third year as naming rights sponsor of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, and the 18th year of our relationship with the VRC,” Mr Thompson said.

“In what has been an incredibly challenging year for our nation, the Lexus Melbourne Cup is the People’s Cup and we look forward to playing our part in sharing the iconic trophy with Australians across the nation and supporting fundraising efforts to assist towns big and small
to get back on their feet.”

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will officially kick off on Friday 4 September when it visits Moree in New South Wales and dials in to a number of events organised by Moree Race Club.

Since its beginning, the Tour has travelled more than 700,000 kilometres and visited more than 500 regional, rural and metropolitan destinations. It has provided communities with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of the Lexus Melbourne Cup and hear the many stories connected with Australia’s greatest horse-race.

For further information about the 2020 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour please visit here .

The 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins on Saturday, 31 October with the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, 3 November.

Ends

Breeders' Cup announces Challenge Series Races for September and October

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:16:32 GMT

Awesome Again, Preakness Stakes and The Jockey Club Gold Cup Highlight Final “Win and You’re In” Races for Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic; Irish Champion Stakes and Qatar Prix de l’ Arc Triomphe Lead European Schedule

LEXINGTON, Ky. (26th August 2020) — Led by the 145th Preakness Stakes (G1), the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) and Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), a total of 44 automatic berths into the 37th Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be up for grabs over the next two months as Breeders’ Cup Ltd. today released its schedule of Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races for September and October.

The Breeders’ Cup Challenge, now in its 14th year, is an international series of stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid for a corresponding race in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which is scheduled to be held on Nov. 6-7 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

“Win and You’re In” qualifiers will be contested in Brazil, Canada, England, Ireland, France and the U.S. over the September-October time frame, including 27 Grade or Group 1 stakes.

Among the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series racing highlights are:

• Three “Win and You’re In” automatic qualifiers for the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), featuring the 145th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico for 3-year-olds on Oct. 3, the first Triple Crown race to be in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. Bookended around the 1 3/16-mile Preakness are the 1 1/8-mile Awesome Again Stakes (G1) on Sept. 26 at Santa Anita Park and the 1 ¼-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park on Oct. 10.

• Five Challenge Series races in Ireland on Sept. 12-13 during Irish Champions Weekend. There will be three races at Leopardstown on Sept. 12: the 1 ¼-mile Irish Champion Stakes (G1) for an automatic position in the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), the 1-mile Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (G1), giving the winner a free position into the $2 million Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1), and the 1-mile KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2), awarding the winner an automatic qualifying spot into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). On Sept. 13 at The Curragh, automatic berths will be contested in the 5-furlong Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (G1) for a “Win and You’re In” into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1), and the 7-furlong Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1) giving the winner a free berth into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).

• Woodbine in Toronto will host three “Win and You’re In” turf races, beginning on Sept. 19 with the 1-mile Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1) for a free slot into the gate of the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by PDJF (G1). The following day (Sept. 20), the 1-mile Natalma Stakes (G1) will give the winner an automatic starting position in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), and the 1-mile Summer Stakes (G1) will offer a “Win and You’re In” spot for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. NBCSN will televise the Ricoh Woodbine Mile on Sept. 19, and the Natalma Stakes and the Summer Stakes on Sept. 20 as a part of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing.”

• In addition to the Awesome Again, Santa Anita will be home to six more “Win and You’re In” races, starting on Sept. 19 with the 5 ½-furlong Speakeasy Stakes . The Speakeasy winner will receive a free berth into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2). The Sept. 26 card will feature the 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah Stakes (G1) for an automatic starting position into the $2 million TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1), the 1 1/16-mile Chandelier Stakes (G2) for a free qualifying spot into the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), and the 1 ¼-mile Rodeo Drive Stakes (G1) (Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf). On Sept. 27, Santa Anita will run the 6-furlong Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2), a “Win and You’re In” for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) and the 1 1/16-mile Zenyatta Stakes (G2) with the winner earning an automatic slot in the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

• Brazil will host its Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series race on Sept. 27 with the 1 ½-mile Grande Premio Brasil (G1) at Hipodromo da Gavea in Rio de Janeiro for an automatic starting position into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf.

• There will be nine Breeders’ Cup Challenge races during Keeneland’s Fall Stars Weekend on Oct. 2-4. Those races include five Grade 1 events: the 1 1/16-mile Darley Alcibiades (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies) on Oct. 2, the 1 1/16-mile Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance), the 1-mile Shadwell Turf Mile (FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by PDJF), the 1-mile First Lady presented by UK Healthcare (Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf) on Oct. 3, and the 1 1/8-mile Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1) (Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff) on Oct. 4. NBCSN will provide live coverage of Breeders’ Cup Challenge races at Keeneland on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4 as a part of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing.” NBC also will air coverage from Keeneland on Oct. 3 during its Preakness Stakes broadcast.

• On Oct. 4 at ParisLongchamp in France, there will be five Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Challenge races, led by the 1 ½-mile Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf), along with the 5-furlong Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint), the 1 ¼-mile Prix de l'Opéra Longines (Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf), the 7-furlong Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf) and the 1-mile Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf).

• The 2020 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series will conclude on Oct. 10 with five races at Belmont Park. In addition to the Jockey Club Gold Cup, there will be the 1-mile Champagne (G1) (TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance), the 1-mile Frizette (G1) (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies), the 1 ¼-mile Flower Bowl (G1) (Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf) and the 6-furlong Futurity (G3), (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint).

The complete Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series schedule can be accessed here .

As part of the enhanced benefits to horsemen competing in the series, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees and guarantee a starting position in a corresponding Championships race for winners of all Challenge races. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by the Championships’ pre-entry deadline of Oct. 26 to receive the rewards, and those rewards must be used in the year they are earned.

Breeders’ Cup also will provide a $10,000 travel allowance for starters within North America that are stabled outside of Kentucky, and a $40,000 travel stipend to the connections of all Championship starters from outside of North America.

ENDS

Sir Dragonet joins Maher and Eustace with Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup aim

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 11:40:00 GMT

19th August 2020 - The Racing Post reports that Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have boosted their spring arsenal by acquiring the high-class Sir Dragonet with the aim being the Cox Plate and potentially the Melbourne Cup.

Maher and owner Ozzie Kheir have struck a deal with Coolmore on the highly touted four-year-old, who is currently undergoing final vet checks.

The Group 3-winning son of Camelot started favourite for last year’s Derby, finishing fifth behind Anthony Van Dyck, and has raced four times in 2020.

He has finished runner-up on each occasion, most recently in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh behind star mare Magical.

“Sir Dragonet has got a massive pedigree,” said Will Bourne, bloodstock manager for Ciaron Maher Racing.

“He’s from the family of Galileo and is highly rated. It’s a quality purchase and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Sir Dragonet is expected to enter quarantine in September before travelling out to Australia on the first shipment.

ENDS

Moody’s Lexus Melbourne Cup contender

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 11:14:01 GMT

19 August 2020 - Peter Moody will have his best chance of winning the Lexus Melbourne Cup within months of returning to training after being entrusted improving Irish stayer Nickajack Cave.

A consortium of Australians that includes owners that raced Moody's fabled unbeaten mare Black Caviar, his three-time Group 1 winner Manighar and 2010 Cup champion Americain have acquired the Northern Hemisphere four-year-old grey gelding.

Former Racing Victoria chairman Robert Roulston brokered the deal which was inked prior to Nickajack Cave's victory in last Thursday's G3 Bahrain International Ballyroan Stakes (2414m) at Leopardstown.Moody told Racing.com that Nickajack Cave will not race again in Europe ahead of this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup, meaning he won't contest the G1 Irish St Leger (2816m) at the Curragh on September 13.

Instead, Nickajack Cave will enter quarantine in Newmarket in late September without another run and then exit Spendthrift Australia Park Werribee's International Horse Centre on Caulfield Cup Day (October 17), when he will be clear to compete.

"The Melbourne Cup is our sole target," Moody said. "There was a suggestion that he would run in the Irish St Leger but we were worried that if he won that it might have given him too much weight in the Melbourne Cup, so we've decided to bypass that race.

"It's more than likely that he'll go straight into the Melbourne Cup without another run. We've got staff that will take him into quarantine, he'll stay with Ger (Lyons) until mid-September and then the staff will take him into quarantine in Newmarket afterwards until he travels to Melbourne where my staff will take over at Werribee.

"Robert Roulston selected the horse and does a wonderful job in identifying these suitable horses for connections."

Moody, who returned to training in May, conceded he didn't know a great deal about Nickajack Cave but would contact Lyons to educate himself about the son of Kendargent ahead of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Nickajack Cave is a $51 chance to win the $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 3 but that price is likely to shorten upon confirmation of his Australian future.

Moody's seven Melbourne Cup runners have started at $20 or greater, with Voila Ici his highest-placed finisher when 13th in 2012 as a $101 chance.

His other competitors were Schupeter (22nd in 2003 at $201), Vouvray (15th in 2005 at $101), Lights Of Heaven (16th in 2012 at $20), Ibicenco (16th in 2013 at $71), Lidari (19th in 2014 at $81) and Brambles (15th in 2014 at $81).

"I've probably only ever went into the Melbourne Cup twice thinking I was some sort of chance with Lights Of Heaven and Vouvray and both horses failed to run out the 3200 metres," Moody said.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity and fingers crossed we can have a faultless prep."

WHO IS NICKAJACK CAVE?

Nickajack Cave has raced 10 times for four wins and three placings, racing exclusively in Ireland for local trainer Lyons.

Lyons has always held Nickajack Cave in high regard and the trainer's excellent year, which saw him win his first Classic in June's Irish 2000 Guineas with Siskin, has coincided with Nickajack Cave winning both starts at Stakes level since racing resumed in Ireland following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nickajack Cave won as a $13 outsider in the Listed Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes (2816m) at Leopardstown on June 14, defeating the Lloyd Williams-owned race favourite Twilight Payment.

Owner David Spratt then struck a deal with his new ownership group before Nickajack Cave won the Ballyroan Stakes, settling behind the leader and sprinting brilliantly to score ahead of another Williams-owned favourite, Pondus, who finished fourth after racing three wide throughout in the field of five.

Spratt also sold the Lyons-trained Mustajeer to Australian connections prior to last year's Caulfield and Lexus Melbourne Cup. He originally retained a part-share before deciding to dissolve all interest prior to the Caulfield Cup.

"The owners are dead-set keen on the Melbourne Cup but you always hope this sort of horse develops into a nice 2000 to 2400-metre weight-for-age horse post the (Melbourne) Cup and he appears to have the right profile," Moody said.

ENDS

VRC to celebrate 17 years of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour

hannah@hbamedia.tv (Hannah Tufnell) — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 09:54:03 GMT

10th August 2020 - At a time when we need hope to get through the challenging times we are living in, the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will still go ahead in 2020. Ahead of its official launch, the VRC will celebrate the People’s Cup by reliving some of best moments from the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour’s past 17 years.

Since its inaugural year in 2003, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has travelled more than 730,000 kilometres and visited more than 500 regional, rural and metropolitan destinations.

From Dunedoo to Dunedin, Longreach to London, Broome to Birdsville and Ireland to Ipswich, the coveted trophy has travelled far and wide on tour and given communities across the globe a once in a lifetime opportunity to share in the magic that is the Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy.

The VRC will look back on past highlights, share stories from Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Ambassadors and provide insight into the tales that make the iconic trophy the People’s Cup.

The retrospective will conclude with the launch of the 2020 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, which will officially kick off the cup’s all Australian adventure in September.

The VRC continues to hope this year’s tour will be a combination of both physical and virtual visits, and are closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 and restrictions on travel.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said the club was looking forward to reliving some of the tour’s iconic moments.

“Since the tour first began in 2003, the Lexus Melbourne Cup has travelled to some of the most iconic and interesting locations across Australia and the globe,” Mr Wilson said.

“The cup represents so much more than racing, it is the People’s Cup and the Lexus Melbourne Cup is the people’s race.

“The VRC are the custodians of this Australian icon and in these challenging times it is more important than ever we share the joy the trophy creates with communities that have been through so much this year. “We look forward to playing our part in uniting Australia and supporting fundraising efforts to assist towns big and small to get back on their feet.”

ENDS

Royal Ascot behind closed doors reaches over 120 territories

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:03:57 GMT

15th June 2020 - Royal Ascot may be taking place behind closed doors for the first time in its history, but the world's greatest flat race meeting will still attract huge global TV audiences with over 120 countries due to tune in.

The traditional 30 races of the Royal Meeting have been supplemented by a further six top quality races to generate even more interest in one of the first major global sporting events to take place in the summer of 2020.

Led by extensive domestic coverage on ITV1 in the UK, coverage will span the globe with pictures also available in the USA, Australia, the Middle East, India, the Caribbean and Europe.

ITV's coverage will feature 30 races from the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday June 16 to the closing Queen Alexandra Stakes on Saturday June 20, live on their main channel.

Paul McNamara, Senior Director and Executive Producer, Major Events, ITV Sport said:

"ITV again has the honour of broadcasting Royal Ascot. This year's event, as ever, has top class racing but will be broadcast without the traditional thousands in attendance. This provides a unique challenge for us. We will aim to provide all the extra atmosphere via social media including reactions from owners and trainers, an insight into how the public is viewing at home, celebrity guests in the social stable and a virtual bandstand closer each day. It will be top class racing with a unique social media celebration."

Sky Sports Racing will broadcast every race live to around 14m homes in the UK and Ireland. Additionally, pictures will be streamed to more than 20 online bookmakers in the UK and Ireland.

James Singer, Director, Domestic and International Media Rights at Sky Sports Racing / At The Races, said:

"We are again delighted to bring Sky Sports Racing viewers and attheraces.com users comprehensive coverage of the Royal Meeting. We will broadcast every race live with at least one race each day this year exclusive to Sky Sports Racing. Despite some very important restrictions in place we will be on air, live from Ascot at 9am each day and will have Alex Hammond, Jim McGrath, Hayley Moore and Josh Apiafi all presenting live on course from 12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday and from 12pm on Saturday. Attheraces.com's dedicated Royal Ascot site is already live with Oisin Murphy and William Buick interviews plus an exclusive Aidan O'Brien stable tour. The site will be constantly updated with latest news, previews, tips and analysis to guide users through the week."

Coverage of Royal Ascot also continues on NBC, including Saturday which will be shown on the main NBC Channel (with days one to four on NBC Sports Network). NBC's coverage will reach almost 80 million homes across the US.

"While there may not be spectators in attendance, the terrific horse racing at Royal Ascot continues, and we are excited to once again present five days of live coverage to viewers in the United States," said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN.

Around 42 million homes in 17 countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region will be served by live coverage from Dubai Racing Channel and Yas TV (Abu Dhabi TV).

Globally, coverage of Royal Ascot will have a reach over 124 territories, enhanced through a new distribution partnership with international horseracing media rights agency, HBA Media.

In Europe, major regional broadcasters including RAI (Italy), Match TV (Russia), Movistar (Spain) and Polsat (Poland) will air the event to millions of viewers alongside, S Sport (Turkey), Silknet (Georgia) and Sport Klub (Balkans). Viewers in Israel will again be able to watch the entire Royal Meeting on Charlton.

Australia's strong affinity with Ascot will continue with Racing.com, the country's free-to-air horseracing network, broadcasting the full action-packed race schedule.

ESPN will showcase Royal Ascot to its established audience across Latin America.

Meanwhile, 48 countries in Africa will be served by leading broadcaster SuperSport while Caribbean fans will have access via SportsMax.

Asia is covered by Shanghai TV, Beijing TV (China) and Eleven Sports (Taiwan) and others.

Global media powerhouse - Discovery - through its recently launched Eurosport India channel will take the Royal Meeting into 45 million homes in India.

Juliet Slot, Commercial Director at Ascot Racecourse, said:

"We are delighted that the strength of Royal Ascot is once again demonstrated by the breadth of international broadcasters taking our pictures despite the meeting being held behind closed doors. It will be a unique event, as it always is but one that can be enjoyed by an ever-increasing global audience. We would like to thank all of our global and UK broadcast partners for helping us bring our event to millions of homes around the world."

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, added:

"We are delighted with the distribution secured during these unusual times, with Royal Ascot taking place behind closed doors, and we look forward to building upon this going forward."

ENDS

Foal and Stallion nominators elect 19 Breeders' Cup members

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:14:04 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 10, 2020) – The Breeders' Cup announced today that 19 individuals were elected to serve as Breeders’ Cup Members. Voting for the 2020 Member election by Breeders’ Cup 2019 foal and stallion nominators was concluded at 5:00 p.m. ET on June 8.

The following individuals, listed alphabetically, received the most votes of the Breeders' Cup nominators to fill 19 Member seats. Each Member will serve a four-year term:

Conrad Bandoroff
Barbara Banke
James (Jimmy) G. Bell
Boyd Browning
Doug Cauthen
Craig Fravel
Eric Gustavson
Dr. Andreas Jacobs
W. Gray Lyster IV
Clem Murphy
Maria Niarchos-Gouazé
David O'Farrell
Bill Oppenheim
Bernie Sams
Alex Solis II
Oliver Tait
W. Elliott Walden
Barry Weisbord
Aron Wellman

“It is an honor to welcome our new and re-elected Members to serve with us over the next four years,” said Fred Hertrich III, Breeders’ Cup Chairman. “We look forward to their meaningful contributions, along with our other sitting Members, toward our efforts to further grow and expand the popularity of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, improve the safety and integrity of our sport, and carry out the full mission of the Breeders’ Cup.”

The Breeders’ Cup Members are elected every other year by Breeders’ Cup foal and stallion nominators through a proportional voting system based on the level of nominations paid to the organization. There are a total of 39 elected Breeders’ Cup Members.

The Members meet each July and elect individuals to the Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors, which oversees the activities of the organization.

The online portion of the Breeders’ Cup Director election will begin on July 3 and conclude on July 10. The voting results will be announced following the annual meeting of the Breeders’ Cup Members on July 15.

***

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes.

The 2020 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Championship races, is scheduled to be held on November 6-7 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky and features a total of $35 million in purses and awards. The event will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube .

Royal Ascot breaks new ground with real-time weather data

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:04:01 GMT

10th June 2020 - Ascot is to become the first racecourse in the UK to publish live weather data via an innovative new App developed by Cambridgeshire-based Technology company, TurfTrax.

For the first time information including rainfall, wind speed and direction, soil moisture, and daily evapotranspiration (moisture loss) will be available to view in real-time alongside GoingStick readings, going maps, rails positions and irrigation in the build-up to and during Royal Ascot.

Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse said, "We are delighted to be able to roll-out this ground-breaking new service for Royal Ascot 2020.

"With racing taking place behind closed doors there will be fewer people this year with access to the track and, therefore, the distribution of up to the minute information takes on even greater significance. Trainers, Owners and everyone watching from home will have the opportunity to monitor track conditions remotely in real time using the new racing hub on the Ascot Racecourse website."

Much of the live data is gathered from WeatherTrax, the latest generation of TurfTrax' on-course weather stations, and is processed using bespoke software which integrates GoingStick readings, the TurfTrax course mapping system and weather information in a single user friendly display.

TurfTrax Managing Director Mike Maher said, "We developed the App to provide racecourses with a resource that can display complex and detailed ground and weather information in an easy-to access format, and we are delighted that Ascot has chosen such a prestige occasion for its launch.

"In conjunction with Chris and the team at Ascot we have been working on this project for some time. For example, we have compiled three years' worth of soil moisture data and compared this to GoingStick readings, weather data and other raceday information to verify the accuracy and relevance of this new measurement, but this is the first time it will be made available to Horsemen and the wider public on demand", added Maher.

For Royal Ascot, GoingStick and soil moisture data is collected independently by TurfTrax. The first assessment takes place seven days before Royal Ascot begins, then readings are taken four days, 48hrs and 24hrs prior to the meeting and on every race day morning. 108 grid locations are measured using an electromechanical GoingStick, 72 on the straight course (split for stand/centre and far side) and a further 36 locations on the round course. Three 'penetration' and three 'shear' measurements, representative of forces exerted by the horse's hoof when it is on contact with the ground, are taken at each location. Additionally, a volumetric soil moisture content reading is carried out at 24 positions on the straight and 36 on the round course, meaning that over 700 scientifically generated measurements contribute to the Going Report produced by TurfTrax.

2¾ miles walking is required to cover the whole of the straight and round courses and the process takes approximately 90 minutes. The detailed data is uploaded to a database and analysed each day by Ascot and TurfTrax alongside 15 years' of live and historic weather and going data to assist with for example irrigation planning (if required) for the Royal meeting.

Live meteorological data is streamed from WeatherTrax equipment located near to the 4-furlong marker on the stand side of the straight mile at Ascot racecourse. The data is logged every minute 24hrs/day and typically refreshes every five minutes on the App. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this data, but values presented can differ from forecast predictions and automatically or manually recorded weather data at nearby locations. Recorded weather data can be dependent on a number of factors including; type of sensors used, methodology, height/positioning of sensing equipment and specific timing of updates.

ENDS

Enhanced 36 race Royal Ascot order of running unveiled

Fri, 22 May 2020 15:35:58 GMT

Friday 22nd May 2020 - Ascot Racecourse today unveils the Order Of Running for the behind closed doors 2020 Royal Meeting (16th to 20th June).

In this unprecedented year, there are several alterations to the programme, including six extra races being added to the fixture.

There will be seven races staged on the first four days, with eight on the final card.

The Buckingham Palace Handicap, lost from the card when the Commonwealth Cup was introduced in 2015, will open the meeting.

A Silver Royal Hunt Cup (1m) and a Silver Wokingham Handicap (6f) are included for those who miss the cut for the main events.

Also staged this year only will be the Copper Horse Handicap (14f, 4yo+), the Golden Gates Handicap (10f, 3yo) and the Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap (5f, 3yo).

Her Majesty The Queen has graciously consented to these temporary new names. The Copper Horse is a statue of King George III mounted on horseback marking the end of the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, adjacent to the racecourse; The Golden Gates are the ceremonial entrance point for the Royal Procession at the end of the straight mile; The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland.

Amongst the changes to the regular programme are the movement of the St James's Palace Stakes and Coronation Stakes to the final day, to maximise the time between them and the Guineas at Newmarket (6th and 7th June).

In order to provide two-year-olds with as much time as possible before the key races at Royal Ascot, the two year old programme has been moved back with four of the six races to be staged on Friday and Saturday.

The King Edward VII Stakes and Ribblesdale Stakes, now key Derby and Oaks Trials, will be on the opening day in order to maximise the gap to Derby and Oaks Day (4th July). The Hampton Court, also an eligible Epsom trial this year, will be run on day two.

Prize money will be confirmed in due course.

"We are most grateful to the BHA's race planning team for their assistance in framing the additional races for this exceptional renewal of Royal Ascot," said Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse.

"We hope these extra opportunities will be welcomed by horsemen, broadcasters and the public at home.

"Under Ruth Quinn, a lot of work has gone into scheduling an appropriate Pattern trials programme, beginning on 3rd June, alongside an enhanced two-year-old programme.

"We are of course taking nothing for granted in terms of government's final approval to permit behind closed doors sporting events from 1st June. We are announcing the programme today, with the dates of the Royal Meeting already public as part of the wider schedule for resumption, so that Horsemen can begin their detailed planning."

Royal Ascot Order of Running:

Tuesday

Buckingham Palace Handicap (7f, 3yo+)

Queen Anne Stakes (1m, Group One, 4yo+)

Ribblesdale Stakes (1 1/2m, Group Two, 3yo fillies)

King Edward VII Stakes (1 1/2m, Group Two, 3yo colts & geldings)

King's Stand Stakes (5f, Group One, 3yo+)

Duke of Cambridge Stakes (1m, Group Two, 4yo+ fillies and mares)

Ascot Stakes Handicap (2 1/2m, 4yo+)

Wednesday

Silver Royal Hunt Cup Handicap (1m, 3yo+)

Hampton Court Stakes (10f, Group Three, 3yo)

King George V Handicap (1 1/2m, 3yo)

Prince of Wales's Stakes (10f, Group One, 4yo+)

Royal Hunt Cup Handicap (1m, 3yo+)

Windsor Castle Stakes (5f, Listed, 2yo)

Copper Horse Handicap (1 3/4m, 4yo+)

Thursday

Golden Gates Handicap (10f, 3yo)

Wolferton Stakes (10f, Listed, 4yo+)

Jersey Stakes (7f, Group Three, 3yo)

Chesham Stakes (7f, Listed, 2yo)

Gold Cup (2 1/2m, Group One, 4yo+)

Britannia Handicap (1m, 3yo colts & geldings)

Sandringham Handicap (1m, 3yo, fillies)

Friday

Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap (5f, 3yo)

Albany Stakes (6f, Group Three, 2yo fillies)

Norfolk Stakes (5f, Group Two, 2yo)

Hardwicke Stakes (1 1/2m, Group Two, 4yo+)

Commonwealth Cup (6f, Group One, 3yo colts & fillies)

Queen's Vase (1 3/4m, Group Two, 3yo)

Duke of Edinburgh Handicap (1 1/2m, 3yo+)

Saturday

Silver Wokingham Handicap (6f, 3yo+)

Queen Mary Stakes (5f, Group Two, 2yo fillies)

Coronation Stakes (1m, Group One, 3yo fillies)

Coventry Stakes (6f, Group Two, 2yo)

St James's Palace Stakes (1m, Group One, 3yo colts)

Diamond Jubilee Stakes (6f, Group One, 4yo+)

Wokingham Handicap (6f, 3yo+)

Queen Alexandra Stakes (2 3/4m, Conditions, 4yo+)

Race two onwards (race three onwards on Saturday) will be shown on ITV1 and all races will be shown on Sky Sports Racing. Racing will begin at 1.15pm Tuesday to Friday and 12.40pm on Saturday, with the final race at 4.40pm.

ENDS

Third Lexus Melbourne Cup plan for Cross Counter

Wed, 20 May 2020 15:25:50 GMT

20th May 2020 - Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has confirmed that 2018 Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter will run in the race for the third time in November (2020), if COVID-19 protocols permit.

As part of a Racing Post stable tour column, Appleby said the Lexus Melbourne Cup was firmly on the cards for last year's top weight, who finished eighth behind Vow And Declare in the race.

Cross Counter has started just once since the Lexus Melbourne Cup when fifth over 3000 metres at Riyadh but has returned to England to be prepared for another Cup assault following the cancellation of the Gold Cup in Dubai.

"He was fresh and well when he went to Riyadh for the Saudi Turf Handicap in February, and he did a bit more than we wanted - he was a bit gassy," Appleby wrote.

"He was fifth, beaten seven lengths. The Gold Cup in Dubai was cancelled and he's arrived back in Britain in good order.

"An accomplished international campaigner, Cross Counter won the Melbourne Cup in 2018 and was beaten a length-and-a-half in eighth last year. If it is logistically possible, the Cup will be his end-of-year target once again."

A decision on possible international participation in the Spring Carnival is still to be made, with the hope COVID-19 restrictions could be eased to accommodate European runners.

Appleby also hinted his impressive comeback horse Barney Roy could also come to Australia for a possible Cox Plate tilt if the trip was possible.

"He showed his class, winning twice at Meydan at the Dubai World Cup Carnival - his turn of foot can be devastating," Appleby wrote.

"He showed that he's back to his best, and next month's Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot is his next assignment.

"He will also be on our international team later in the year."

Melbourne Cup 2017 hero Rekindling back in training with Joseph O’Brien after stud plans scrapped

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 12:42:39 GMT

24th April 2020 – (The Sun) - The horse that put Joseph O'Brien on the map as a trainer is back home in Ireland.

Rekindling won the Melbourne Cup in 2017 in just O'Brien's second season with a licence.

The horse beat the Aidan O'Brien-trained Johannes Vermeer to provide an O'Brien family one-two in the 'race that stops a nation'.

After the victory, Rekindling only had one run for trainer Liam Howley before retiring, with owner Lloyd Williams intending to stand him at stud in Europe.

However, he is now back in training, with County Kilkenny-based O'Brien readying the six-year-old for a low-key reintroduction.

He said: "He was very, very good to us a couple of years ago. I suppose it’s fairly obvious things haven't gone smoothly for him since then, but it's great to have him back in the yard.

"We'll aim nice and low and then gradually move our way up into some better targets as the year progresses.

"We're just excited to get him started first of all and then we can go from there."

He added: "I suppose you could say on his three-year-old form there's a big chance he could turn into that type of (Cup) horse, but obviously there has been plenty of water under the bridge between now and when he won the Melbourne Cup.

"We'll get a bit of confidence on the board first of all and take it race by race from there, see what Lloyd would like to have a crack at with him. The most important thing will be to get him back on track and try to get him some confidence."

ENDS

Kentucky Derby postponed until September as US battles coronavirus

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:26:42 GMT

17th March 2020 - The Kentucky Derby has been postponed until September 5 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Churchill Downs announced on Tuesday that the 146th running of the historic race would not take place in its usual slot on the first Saturday of May, with the Kentucky Oaks now planned for September 4. The new dates are subject to the approval of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

There were 25 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Kentucky and one death as of Monday night.

Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs Incorporated chief executive, said: "Throughout the rapid development of the Covid-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community.

"As the situation evolved, we steadily made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe, necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.

"Our team is united in our commitment to holding the very best Kentucky Derby and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes. While we're always respectful of the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby, our company’s true legacy is one of resilience, the embracing of change and unshakeable resolve."

Country House won the race last year after Maximum Security was disqualified, while Justify was successful the previous year on the way to becoming the 13th horse to complete the prestigious US Triple Crown.

The NBA and NHL are among other leading sports events in the US to have suspended play, while the Masters has been postponed.

Ends

https://www.racingpost.com/news/coronavirus/kentucky-derby-set-to-be-postponed-until-september-due-t...

Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors Add $4M to World Championships Purses and Increases Safety Measures

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:07:53 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. (11th March 2020) — The Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors met during a regularly scheduled meeting to discuss future business plans for the Company including next steps in advancing safety measures and purse levels for the two-day World Championships.

Safety Measures
The Breeders’ Cup Board continued its commitment to using the organization’s leadership position within the industry to encourage the adoption of increased safety requirements within and beyond the World Championships. Beginning at the 2020 World Championships, the Breeders’ Cup will adopt all six recommendations from Dr. Larry Bramlage’s report , (Pages 18-21). These process improvements are aimed at refining safety and veterinary evaluation protocols for future events. The report was the first of its kind as the Breeders’ Cup leads by example in promoting transparency and accountability in Thoroughbred racing.

In addition to its continued efforts to ensure that the World Championships are conducted under the highest standards of both safety and integrity, the Breeders’ Cup remains heavily involved in the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition’s advocacy for the implementation of the 19 safety and integrity reforms, to include those announced in November and December, at the state and/or track level. To this end, in order to host a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge race, U.S.-based tracks that are not members of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition will be required to agree to adopt all 19 safety and integrity reforms that make up the Coalition platform and must demonstrate a good faith effort in implementing those reforms.

“The implementation of the increased safety measures outlined in the Bramlage report for our World Championships, along with the required adoption of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition safety and integrity reforms by racetrack partners hosting Breeders’ Cup Challenge races, are the latest steps the Breeders’ Cup has taken to strengthen its longstanding commitment to instituting the highest standards in the overall conduct of our racing programs,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders’ Cup President and CEO.

Purse Levels
The Breeders’ Cup Board also approved a $4 million increase in purses, bringing total purses and awards for the two-day World Championships to $35 million. Purse payouts will also be modified to pay down to the 10th position from the current 8th position.

The purse increases begin with this year’s event at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky. on November 6 – 7 and will be allocated as follows:

$1 million to the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic for a total purse of $7 million
$2 million to the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf for a total purse of $6 million
$1 million to the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile for a total purse of $2 million

These increases put the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf tied for the richest Group 1 turf race in the world and solidify the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile as the richest dirt mile race worldwide. The Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic remains the richest race in North America and the third richest Group 1 in the world.

“These purse increases reflect the Breeders’ Cup’s mission to conduct the World Championships at the highest levels of quality and to keep our races competitive on the international stage,” said Fleming. “Our decision to increase purse payouts to 10th place in all our races is a tribute to the loyal participation of our owners and trainers who support the World Championships each year.”

***

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP
The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes.

The 2020 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Championship races, will be held on November 6-7 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky and features a total of $35 million in purses and awards. The event will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube .

HBA Media extends Jockey sponsorship

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 15:19:42 GMT

4th March 2020 – Amateur jockey, Mr Noel George is pleased to announce that HBA Media has extended their corporate sponsorship under an annual rolling agreement.

The sponsorship sees 20-year-old Noel wear HBA Media branded clothing and support his athletic pastime as an amateur jockey, while retaining his role as assistant trainer to his father, Tom George.

From 14 rides this season, the distinguished amateur jockey has finished within the frame on nine occasions, with ITV Racing presenters Ed Chamberlin and Sir Anthony McCoy, both praising Noel’s ability in a recent nail-biting photo finish.

Next week, Noel will be riding at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival on board Springfield Fox in the National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase on the opening day (Tuesday, March 10) and Sumkindofking in the challenging Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase on the Wednesday.

Noel George, said:

“I am very appreciative and thankful to HBA Media for continuing their sponsorship, which enables me to do what I love most – race riding for pleasure rather than on a professional basis.”

Henry Birtles, CEO of HBA Media, said:

“We have enjoyed a longstanding association with Noel George and his father Tom; and we are delighted to lend our support for another season.

“We look forward to cheering Noel home on-course and following his progressive amateur career.”

HBA Media is a pre-eminent international horseracing media rights agency responsible for the co-ordination of programme delivery, daily management and the distribution of the world’s most high-profile international races. Events and clients include: Ascot Racecourse Limited, the Pegasus World Cup, Saudi Cup, Royal Ascot, Breeders’ Cup and the Melbourne Cup.

Ends

HBA Media distributes the inaugural Saudi Cup to every major continent in the world

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:01:07 GMT

26th February 2020 – HBA Media, the pre-eminent international horseracing media rights agency, has successfully secured blanket worldwide coverage of the inaugural $20 million Saudi Cup – resulting in the world’s most valuable horse race being broadcast in every major continent, to over 100 territories, with a potential audience reach in excess of 400 million.

The long-awaited Saudi Cup (Saturday, 29th February) is being distributed via a bespoke one-hour programme titled, The Golden Hour, or through a five-hour world feed package produced by IMG and managed by HBA Media.

Fox Sports 1 , with 83 million subscribers, take on an exclusive linear deal to broadcast The Golden Hour, that features the Saudi Cup alongside a combination of on-event and lifestyle content, with TVG covering the full undercard. FloSports provides the US with bumper OTT coverage, which is complemented with additional coverage secured through TSN in Canada, and Sports Max addressing the Caribbean.

For the first time, Twitter and HBA Media join forces to distribute the Saudi Cup to Twitter’s highly engaged and passionate audience in the MENA region.

Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV will provide coverage in the UK. Virgin Media will broadcast in Ireland. The channels will also undertake on-air marketing campaigns to reinforce their strong international horseracing schedules.

In Europe, broadcasters include Polsat (Poland), S Sport (Turkey), Match TV (Russia), Sport Deutschland (Germany), Silknet (Georgia) with Teleippica (the Italian Racing Channel) and Eleven Sports providing coverage in Italy. Slovenia, Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Herzegovina come under the helm of Sport Klub .

ESPN will deliver the Saudi Cup in Spanish to its established audience across Latin America. Meanwhile, forty-eight countries in Africa will be served by leading broadcaster SuperSport .

Asia is covered by Shanghai TV, Wuhan TV, Beijing TV (China), The Green Channel (Japan) and Eleven Sports (Taiwan), while a deal with FBC ensures coverage in Fiji.

Furthermore, global media powerhouse – Discovery – through its DSport channel, takes the much-anticipated Saudi Cup into 45 million homes in India.

The Saudi showcase will also gain visibility in the Middle East through an exclusive agreement with Saudi TV , who are the host broadcaster to the domestic audience.

Racing.com , Australia’s free-to-air horseracing network, will broadcast The Golden Hour. Further exposure has also been secured with Sports Unlimited , SNTV and Reuters – providing the Saudi Cup with global recognition in over 100 territories.

Tom Ryan, Saudi Cup Strategic & International Racing Director, said:

“We are pleased that so many people around the world will have the chance to follow the Saudi Cup on Saturday February 29. This is an important event in Saudi Arabia's evolving society and will act as a launch pad to further development of our growing racing industry."

Henry Birtles, CEO of HBA Media, said:

“The advent of the Saudi Cup represents a huge step forward in the world of top-class International Racing. These are exciting times and HBA Media is thrilled to be a part of The Kingdom’s great new venture into the sport.

“Year one broadcast distribution has successfully reflected the significance of this event and we look forward to building on early achievements as Saudi Arabia establishes itself as a global horseracing destination in the years ahead.”

Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, adds:

“These cutting-edge broadcast packages produced by IMG with an expert team of talent, led by Nick Luck, have empowered HBA Media to secure the world’s most valuable race with world-wide recognition.

“We look forward to the inaugural Saudi Cup and working with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and the wider team to ensure continual growth for this landmark raceday.”

Ends

HBA Media and FloSports launch new OTT horseracing initiative

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 14:55:45 GMT

25th February 2020 – HBA Media and FloSports , an innovator in live sports streaming and original content, have entered into an exclusive agreement aimed at developing horseracing coverage through OTT platforms.

The new agreement starts with the world’s most valuable race - the $20 million Saudi Cup - on 29th February and extends through to March, taking in a further three global horseracing contests including the UK’s blue riband of jump racing - The Cheltenham Gold Cup.

HBA Media, working in partnership with fellow media agency, Racecourse Media Group, will facilitate the distribution of four premium live international horseracing events to the FloSports OTT subscriber platform:

· Saudi Cup 29th February (12.00 – 13.00 ET) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

· Dubai World Cup Carnival 7th March (06:30 – 11:00 ET) United Arab Emirates

· Cheltenham Gold Cup 13th March (08:30 – 11:00 ET) United Kingdom

· Golden Slipper 21st March (22:00 – 03:00 ET) Australia

With the rapid rise of cord cutting and the surge in streaming live events, this agreement is at the heart of HBA Media’s wider strategy to aggregate premium international horseracing content and digitally distribute it through globally accessible platforms like FloSports.

“HBA Media is incredibly excited about the future opportunities OTT platforms can offer our clients and global sporting fans," says Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media.

“This initiative sees the launch our first ever OTT content partnership in America, albeit only short-term, and reinforces our commitment to leveraging new media platforms to unlock the considerable value that we believe premium horseracing content carries.

“FloSports is a world-leader in serving content to its passionate subscriber database. We look forward to working with them on this open-minded project and taking horseracing global.”

"FloSports is excited to partner with HBA Media on this opportunity," says Mike Levy, FloSports, Vice President, Global Right Acquisition.

"Horseracing has a massive global audience and has been largely overlooked in the live sports streaming industry. We look forward to bringing this sport and these races to a global audience of horseracing fans."

Ends

Press contact: Hannah Walker / hannah@hbamedia.tv / +44 (0)7971 598287 / +44 (20) 3827 0130

Victor Trevino / victor.trevino@flosports.tv

Top sports director - Daryl Goodrich – creates cinematic on-air visuals for the inaugural Saudi Cup

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 17:01:55 GMT

19th February 2020 – With the much-anticipated Saudi Cup approaching - Saturday, 29th February at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh - HBA Media today revealed the bespoke title sequence and graphics created by the award-winning director, Daryl Goodrich.

Sports film director , Daryl Goodrich , is widely recognised as one of the most influential people in securing the 2012 Olympic games for London, combined with enviable connections and a client-list from all sporting sectors including F1, the English Premier League, rugby, boxing, tennis and horseracing. Charged with creating a powerful title sequence for the live outside-broadcast of the world’s richest race, the 30-second cinematic film starts in a swirling windstorm from which racehorses emerge and canter across a Riyadh city skyline.

The textural feel of a sand and wind forms a transitional theme across all the Saudi Cup on-screen moving graphics, which are complemented by bespoke stings designed to maintain the cinematic look and feel; as well as maintaining consistent connection with the opening title animation.

Static graphics to illustrate race information, runners and riders has embraced the palate (green and off-white) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s national flag.

Goodrich has also created an additional set of title sequence and graphics for the weekly 30-minute horseracing magazine show, broadcast on Saudi TV. Launched earlier this year, the show is proving to be the perfect platform for building regional awareness to the exciting Saudi Cup.

Henry Birtles, CEO of HBA Media, said:

“Daryl’s track record speaks volumes. His originality, flair and knowledge of horseracing has been successfully encapsulated in the stylistic, moviemaking title sequences created for the prestigious Saudi Cup and support programming.”

Daryl Goodrich, Sports Film Director, said:

“To have the opportunity to design and produce an opening sequence for such an amazing event, was a pleasure and a privilege. The horses are majestic and the location inspiring - hopefully the designs do justice to the racing.”

Last year, HBA Media was appointed The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia’s dedicated broadcast and distribution partner.

The appointment also includes overseeing and working with global production companies responsible for programming surrounding the prestigious Saudi Cup itself, as well as the creation of a high-level year-round support content.

Ends

HbaRacing

SPOTV EXPANDS PREMIUM LIVE SPORT LINEUP WITH INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACING

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL TO BE BROADCAST IN MORE THAN 130 COUNTRIES AS 30 GLOBAL PARTNERS SIGN ON

THE WORLD IS WATCHING – DUBAI WORLD CUP TO BE TELEVISED LIVE BY A RECORD 40 BROADCASTERS

GLOBAL INTEREST AT RECORD LEVEL FOR 2026 SAUDI CUP AS FOREVER YOUNG RETAINS HIS CROWN

PEGASUS WORLD CUP CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF REDEFINING GLOBAL HORSE RACING

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL TROPHY – THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING

GLOBAL AUDIENCES SET FOR CLASSIC SHOWDOWN AS BREEDERS' CUP RETURNS TO DEL MAR

QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY AVAILABLE TO VIEW IN 170 TERRITORIES VIA 40 BROADCASTERS

DAZN MENA NAMED OFFICIAL DOMESTIC BROADCASTER FOR THE JOCKEY CLUB OF SAUDI ARABIA

GLOBAL INTEREST AT RECORD LEVEL FOR 2025 QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE

HBA MEDIA AND HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER ENHANCED GLOBAL COVERAGE OF HONG KONG’S PREMIER RACES

THE INTERNATIONAL: YORK EBOR FESTIVAL - RUNNERS AND RIDERS

GLOBAL TV AUDIENCES TO ENJOY QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY VISIT QATAR, VIA RECORD 39 BROADCASTERS

30 BROADCASTERS TO SHOWCASE ROYAL ASCOT IN 180+ TERRITORIES

HBA MEDIA ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF RISING FLAT RACING STAR, SAFFIE OSBORNE

RECORD NUMBERS OF BROADCASTERS TO SHOWCASE BETFRED DERBY TO THE WORLD

KENTUCKY DERBY ACHIEVES GLOBAL REACH THROUGH CROWN JEWELS RACING PARTNERSHIPS

BROADCASTERS TO EMBRACE THE DUBAI WORLD CUP AND RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL CROSSOVER WITH EXTENDED COVERAGE AND A BESPOKE HYBRID CROWN JEWELS RACING (CJR) PROGRAMME

THE WORLD IS WATCHING – DUBAI WORLD CUP TO BE BROADCAST TO RECORD 170 COUNTRIES

RECORD DISTRIBUTION WITH 38 INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTERS SET TO SHOWCASE THE 2025 SAUDI CUP, FEATURING MULTIPLE FIRST-TIME CHANNELS

HBA MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH FANCODE FOR CROWN JEWELS RACING SEASON 2025

RACECOURSE MEDIA GROUP AND HBA MEDIA EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO MAXIMISE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA RIGHTS FOR BRITISH AND IRISH HORSE RACING

US GIANTS FOX SPORTS TO SHOWCASE THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACEDAY

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL TROPHY TO RECEIVE TRULY GLOBAL EXPOSURE

MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL SOLIDIFIES GLOBAL STATUS WITH RECORD BROADCAST COVERAGE ACROSS ALL MAJOR CONTINENTS

BREEDERS’ CUP ATTRACTS RECORD BROADCASTERS FOR THIS YEAR’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY WILL ENJOY RECORD TV EXPOSURE

2024 QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE TO BE SHOWN BY RECORD 37 BROADCASTERS

JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES TO BE SHOWN IN 140 COUNTRIES

QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL TO ENJOY RECORD TV EXPOSURE VIA 32 BROADCASTERS

The world is watching Royal Ascot

EPSOM DOWNS NEWS: 2024 BETFRED DERBY TO BE SHOWN LIVE BY A RECORD 36 BROADCASTERS

150th RUNNING OF KENTUCKY DERBY TO ENJOY RECORD GLOBAL AUDIENCE

Crown Jewels Racing to be showcased on Eurovision Sport - bringing elite horse racing to new audiences across Europe

THE WORLD TUNES IN FOR DUBAI WORLD CUP HORSERACING FIXTURE

HBA Media strikes new gamification partnership with Genius Sports to launch first international horse racing fantasy game

The Saudi Cup secures high-volume international coverage for its fifth consecutive year

The Saudi Cup secures high-volume international coverage for its fifth consecutive year

Dashing to Miami!

Pegasus World Cup kickstarts 2024 racing season with improved global distribution ﻿

HBA Media concludes the year with impressive uplift in global coverage for Hong Kong International Races

Ascot Racecourse extend HBA Media partnership with a renewed four-year international media rights agreement

Melbourne Cup Carnival secures sports-network coverage in every continent

Worldwide focus as Breeders' Cup celebrates 40 years of excellence

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe secures worldwide coverage

Royal Ascot set to attract global audience in 176 territories

HBA Media boost racing rights portfolio after deals with Hong Kong Jockey Club, NBCUniversal and NYRA

Epsom Downs News: 2023 Betfred Derby's popularity underlined by 150-country TV shop window

Randox Grand National to receive worldwide exposure - including in the skies and on the seas

40 Broadcasters to showcase Dubai World Cup

$30.5m horseracing showpiece to be broadcast live on ITV in the UK for the first time

The Saudi Cup celebrates its fourth year with enhanced global coverage across 170 territories

‘Frankie Factor’ sees new broadcasters acquire the 2023 Pegasus World Cup

Increased global audience will enjoy the world-famous Breeders’ Cup, with millions set to watch

The Melbourne Cup achieves record distribution for 2022 running

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe secures increased global coverage powered by HBA Media

ITV Racing sign an exclusive free-to-air three-year broadcast deal

Qatar Goodwood Festival to enjoy worldwide TV exposure via 30 broadcasters

HBA Media celebrates a 10-year association with the Breeders’ Cup World Championships

HBA Media facilitate Royal Ascot coverage in over 170 territories increasing worldwide exposure for a third year running

2022 Cazoo Derby to enjoy a global media audience

France Galop appoints HBA Media in a multi-year media-rights distribution deal

Agreement sees HBA Media represent the entire international media-rights distribution of the French flat horseracing calendar

Randox Grand National to enjoy worldwide exposure via 30 broadcasters

Record number of broadcasters to showcase Dubai World Cup fixture

$30.5m horseracing showpiece to be streamed live on Twitter for the first time, plus live on airlines and cruise lines

Boodles Gold Cup: First live broadcast on US national TV hailed “resounding success”

FoxSports, Sky Sports UK, Sony and Disney headline broadcasters secured for theworld’s most valuable race – the Saudi Cup

2022 Pegasus World Cup attracts commitment from major global OTT broadcasters

Knicks Go, Life Is Good, Flightline Top Pegasus World Cup (G1) Invitations ( Pegasus Turf (G1), Filly & Mare Turf (G3) Also on Jan. 29 Program )

Racecourse Media Group and HBA Media unite to maximise international media rights for British and Irish horse racing

Bahrain International Trophy to be shown live in 130 countries

2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships secures a multi-million global audience

2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup expanded content offering achieves worldwide distribution

Armed Forces announced as official charities for Royal Ascot 2021

£6 million prize money at Royal Ascot 2021

American Ace Knicks Go Primed for Saudi Cup Mission

HBA Media secures increased global coverage for the 2021 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series

America’s Breeders’ Cup secures a multi-million global audience

Pegasus World Cup kickstarts 2024 racing season with improved global distribution