(Edited Keeneland press release)
Keeneland was named the winner of the 2009 Simulcast Award Oct. 14 during the 17th annual International Simulcasting Conference in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The Central Kentucky racetrack also won the award, which honors the horse racing industry’s best simulcast production, in 2003 and 2008. Keeneland’s latest award was for its coverage of the Vinery Madison Stakes (gr. I) from April.
“This award represents a great deal of teamwork, from the vision and support of Keeneland’s leaders, to the great work by members of the broadcast services department who contribute at every level,” said G.D. Hieronymus, Keeneland’s director of broadcast services. “Keeneland’s broadcast team is tops with years of experience and a commitment to excellence.”
Entries for the Simulcast Award could be no more than 30 minutes in length and must have contained one complete race presentation, including pre-race features and graphics, the race itself, and any post-race replays and/or wrap-ups. Each entry was judged on technical merit, quality, and timeliness of racing and wagering information dissemination, as well as overall appeal.
Thoroughbred Racing Associations and Harness Tracks of America hosts the International Simulcasting Conference. Previous winners of the Simulcast Award, in addition to Keeneland, are Churchill Downs (1997), Turfway Park (1998), Penn National (1999), Santa Anita Park (2000, 2001), Hollywood Park (2002), Woodbine (2004, 2006, 2007), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (2005), and Los Alamitos (2007).
Last year, Keeneland became the first track in North America to provide live, closed-circuit race coverage and limited simulcasts in a high-definition format. During the current fall meeting, Keeneland Broadcast Services is producing a full 15-camera HD production for every race, which is being offered to all simulcast sites through Roberts Communications Network.