(Edited Del Mar Thoroughbred Club release)
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and the horseracing network TVG have announced an extension of their television agreement through the 2009 season.
TVG, which has had a relationship with Del Mar since 2002, also serves as one of Del Mar’s five advanced deposit wagering platforms this year through its website TVG.com.
TVG will be at Del Mar throughout the 37-day race meeting starting July 22 and running through Wednesday, September 9. Racing will be conducted on Wednesday through Sunday schedule.
As part of its daily presence at the track, TVG will be doing its "Trackside Live" show – mostly in two- to four-hour blocks – virtually every racing day throughout the summer on FSN Prime Ticket. A list of the extended broadcasts are available by going to Del Mar’s website (delmarracing.com) and clicking on "Del Mar Live." The show schedules are currently available for July and August.
TVG is planning extensive coverage of Del Mar’s opening day and will air the track’s premier event, the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) on Sunday, Sept. 6.
"We’re happy to be back in the saddle with TVG for another season," said DMTC president and general manager Joe Harper. "Their first-rate production abilities and their commitment to California racing make them a fine partner for Del Mar."
TVG and TVG.com were acquired by Betfair, the world’s largest, legal online wagering company in January of this year. Del Mar, which opened in 1937, will be celebrating its 70th racing season this summer.
"We’re thrilled to reach an agreement that extends our long term relationship with Del Mar, said Gerard Cunningham, president of Betfair US. "TVG strives to bring viewers the best in horse racing from California and our coverage of the 2009 Del Mar meet fills that bill."
