OZONE PARK, N.Y., Dec. 31, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and MSG Networks (MSGN) have announced a multi-year agreement that will focus on live programming from Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.
From mid-May through early October, live programming will air on MSG+ from 4 – 6 p.m. at Belmont Park and from 4 – 6:30 at Saratoga. The shows will provide in-depth analysis of the races featuring NYRA TV analysts Jason Blewitt, Richard Migliore, Sean Morris, Andy Serling, and Maggie Wolfendale.
“We are very pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with MSG Networks,” said Christopher Kay, Chief Executive Officer and President of the New York Racing Association. “Our new format will further showcase premier New York racing, while providing horseplayers with up-to-the-minute information, insights and analysis from our world class analysts.”
MSG Networks are distributed in all of New York State, significant portions of New Jersey and Connecticut, as well as parts of Pennsylvania. The new MSG+ live programming scheduled to begin this spring will make NYRA racing at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course one of the most widely-distributed and easiest ways for horseplayers to enjoy the industry’s finest thoroughbred racing.
“MSG Networks has enjoyed a 30-year relationship with NYRA, and we are excited to continue this relationship in 2016 and beyond,” said Andrea Greenberg, President and CEO, MSG Networks. “Beginning in 2016, horseracing fans will be able to enjoy substantially more live racing from New York’s top racetracks on MSG+.”
In addition to the aforementioned programming, MSG+ will air a special Belmont Stakes Preview Show in early June and live shows for New York Showcase Day during the Belmont Park Fall meet and Cigar Mile Day from Aqueduct Racetrack in November.
About the New York Racing Association
Founded in 1955 and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York's three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033, the New York Racing Association's mission is "Meeting the highest standards in thoroughbred racing and equine safety." With a lineage of nearly 150 years, NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to its urban, suburban and rural economy.
In 2014, more than 1.7 million people attended live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totaled more than $10 million. For more information, visit www.NYRA.com
About MSG Networks, Inc.
MSG Networks Inc. is an industry leader with two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network (MSG) and MSG+, as well as the live streaming and video on demand platform, MSG GO. The networks are home to nine professional sports teams, delivering live games of the New York Knicks; New York Rangers; New York Liberty; New York Islanders; New Jersey Devils; Buffalo Sabres; Major League Soccer’s Red Bulls and the Westchester Knicks, and exclusive non-game coverage of the New York Giants.
Each year, the networks collectively telecast approximately 700 live sporting events - which also include college football and college basketball from top conferences - along with a full schedule of critically-acclaimed original programming. The gold standard for regional broadcasting, MSG Networks has won 129 New York Emmy Awards over the past eight years. More information is available at www.msgnetworks.com
Contacts: John Durso, Jr. (NYRA) jdurso@nyrainc.com Jenny Kellner (NYRA) vkellner@nyrainc.com (718) 659-2244 Dan Schoenberg (MSG) Dan.Schoenberg@msgnetworks.com (212) 465-6367
