One of the most exciting international horse racing events on the calendar is soon upon us, as the Breeders’ Cup will take place at Keeneland across the first weekend in November.
Friday will be all about the brightest two-year-olds, with the Juvenile and Juvenile Turf presenting the biggest prizes. For betting enthusiasts, they can check the current odds here: twinspires.com/breeders-cup/odds
However, for many, the biggest races will be taking place on Saturday, as the lucrative Breeders’ Cup Classic boasts a purse of $6 million. There will also be British and Irish interest in the races on the grass, with the Breeders’ Cup Turf and Breeders’ Cup Mile both going the way of Charlie Appleby in 2021.
Given its international standing, the Breeders’ Cup attracts a worldwide audience, and that is echoed by the fact that it will be televised in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Terrestrial Television Audience
The 2021 edition of the Breeders’ Cup was a landmark moment for the weekend-long event, as it was televised on terrestrial television in the United Kingdom for the very first time. Viewers could join Ed Chamberlain on ITV for all 14 championship races across Friday and Saturday, with the Classic and Turf both broadcasted on the main channel.
Furthermore, viewers can get involved in a once-in-a-lifetime competitive, which sees two lucky viewers winning tickets, travel, and accommodation to the Breeders’ Cup 2023. The interest for the event in 2021 was enormous, with over 340,000 viewers tuning in, and an average of 281,000 viewers across the coverage on ITV4 and ITV throughout the Saturday coverage.
In comparison, the number were extremely encouraging, with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe drawing an average of 456,000 viewers in 2021 at a much friendlier viewing time.
Sky Coverage
It is no surprise to see Sky Sports Racing also hosting Breeders’ Cup action this year, as for many this is the main stopping point when it comes to watching the racing Stateside throughout the yet.
Sky will give viewers the whole US experience, as the channel will be plugged into the NBC Sports broadcast throughout the night, with Sky Racing experts on hand to get interviews with the leading jockeys on the ground at Keeneland.
Furthermore, experts will be on hand in between races to give their takes on the action.
Sky’s coverage of American racing has been excellent throughout the years, as they give customers the best possible access to the huge races taking place throughout the year, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes; all of which, ITV does not cover.
Those on the go can also watch the live action through SkyGo or Now TV, meaning that you won’t need to miss a second of the action.
Racing TV
All bases are covered for the Breeders’ Cup in the UK and Ireland this year, as Racing TV will also have exclusive rights to all 14 championship races taking place at Keeneland. Racing TV has long been the home of all the biggest races in the UK and Ireland, with all racing fans having a subscription.
It is the only place to watch every race of the Cheltenham Festival, while 90% of the graded or group races in the UK and Ireland are streamed exclusively live on Racing TV throughout the year. This new agreement promises to be an exciting time for the Breeders’ Cup, as the organisers will work closest together to improving marketing and support.
Viewers have also been able to watch eleven of the 16 ‘Win and You’re In’ Challenge Series races for the Breeders’ Cup on Racing TV, which means that it’s only fitting that they boast right for the event in 2022.
