Churchill Downs Inc. and The Stronach Group have renewed their partnership in HRTV, the horse racing and equestrian-related network, through 2014.
CDI and The Stronach Group, which obtained assets from MI Developments, had a 50-50 partnership in HRTV. A July 20 release said the “existing partnership” has been renewed.
Both companies said their racing content will continue to appear exclusively on HRTV. The network has no dedicated advance deposit wagering system, though CDI operates TwinSpires.com and The Stronach Group owns XpressBet.com.
The exclusive content agreement does contain exceptions for a limited number of races, such as the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), which is broadcast live on national television.
“One of our main objectives at The Stronach Group is to work in a more collaborative fashion within the racing industry for the betterment of the sport and our fans,” said Greg Avioli, president and chief executive officer of the organization’s racing division. “We are excited by this long-term extension of our alliance with Churchill Downs, and are confident it will strengthen HRTV, which we believe is a key asset in helping to grow the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing and in serving the needs of equestrian fans.”
“We are thrilled that Churchill Downs Inc. and The Stronach Group have renewed their commitment to the network,” HRTV president Scott Daruty said. “The racetracks owned by these two companies produce a wide array of world-class Thoroughbred racing content. By securing the rights to this content through 2014, we have secured the foundation from which our network can continue to grow and thrive.
“We intend to continue our efforts to acquire top-quality racing content, as well as world-class equestrian events, so that we can continue to bring HRTV viewers the best of horse-related programming and competitions across all disciplines.”
HRTV is available via cable, telco video, and satellite in more than 19 million U.S. homes, officials said.