TVG going commercial-free in run up to the Pacific Classic
As part of its summer-long 20th anniversary celebration, TVG will offer blanket coverage on TVG Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar, including an exclusive telecast of the Grade 1, $1 million TVG Pacific Classic and complete coverage of all the accompanying stakes races.
TVG's coverage from Del Mar will start with the first post at 5 p.m. ET before the TVG Pacific Classic Special airs from 8-10 p.m. ET commercial-free thanks to sponsors RunHappy, Lane’s End and Three Chimneys.
TVG will use more than two dozen cameras, virtual graphics, a pair of set locations and four roaming reporters to execute Saturday’s programming around Del Mar’s card with 20-year TVG veteran Todd Schrupp hosting alongside Simon Bray. Christina Blacker will be paired with Matt Carothers to discuss handicapping narratives, while Britney Eurton, Mike Joyce, Scott Hazelton and Gabby Gaudet roam around all areas of the track with wireless cameras to provide behind-the-scenes access.
Coverage will include in-depth features on Dallas Stewart, trainer of morning-line favorite Seeking The Soul, and jockey Mario Guitierez, who is riding second choice Pavel for trainer Doug O’Neil.
The Pacific Classic goes as the 10th of 11 races, with its post time 9:35 p.m. ET.
“The TVG Pacific Classic is always the high point of the Del Mar summer meeting, and we’re pulling out all the stops to once again bring racing fans all of the excitement from one of the world’s most iconic racing venues,” said Kevin Grigsby, TVG’s executive producer and senior VP of television. “This telecast will represent an integration of our Born Into The Sport campaign with both the TVG talent and people like Dallas and Mario who have deep roots in Thoroughbred racing.”
The Pacific Classic is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series and is a “Win and You’re In” qualifier. The winner will earn an automatic berth into the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic which will be run on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Santa Anita.
TVG’s summer-long celebration of its 20th anniversaryhas included special programming, promotions and guest appearances. Since launching on July 14, 1999, TVG has emerged as daily go-to viewing for racing fans and U.S. horse racing industry stakeholders. Its ADW platform has also grown into the market leader, processing more than $1 billion in annual wagering.