HRTV Sets Upgrades as Winter Meets Approach

HorseRacing TV will change its look with the start of the Santa Anita Park meet Dec. 26.

HRTV, a 24-hour network that provides up to 15 hours of live horse racing per day, will introduce an on-screen look with enhancements designed to increase the amount of handicapping data available to bettors, and a larger display area for live race feeds.

The new format is designed to improve the viewing experience for current network viewers, and to transition seamlessly to interactive television (iTV) wagering in the future.

"HorseRacing TV's multiple missions include improving the visibility and enhancing the popularity of Thoroughbred, harness, and Quarter Horse racing and to generate revenue for the racing industry and our cable and satellite affiliates," Jim Bates, senior vice president and general manager of HRTV, said in a release. "By delivering a comprehensive handicapping package in an attractive, simplified way, we are providing viewers with more of the information they need to place intelligent, well-considered wagers."

The new graphics package includes an increase of 40% in the size of the video display; "trip" lines of horses during post parades; odds displays for up to two races that include conditions and distance for each race; and a top-of-screen crawl with race results.

Magna Entertainment Corp., owner of Santa Anita, owns HRTV, which is based in Southern California. The network is available via satellite and cable television. MEC also owns Gulfstream Park, the South Florida track whose races will be shown on HRTV when its meet begins Jan. 4, 2006.