Fox Sports Expands Horse Racing Coverage with Del Mar Partnership
Fox Sports and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) have formalized a significant multi-year agreement with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, a move that substantially broadens Fox Sports' commitment to horse racing broadcasts. This collaboration leverages Fox Sports' existing media rights deal with NYRA, further establishing its presence in the sport. A key aspect of this partnership is that, from 2027 onwards, Fox Sports will be the exclusive home for live televised coverage of races from Del Mar, encompassing both its renowned summer and fall racing schedules.
The integration of Del Mar into Fox Sports' programming slate is a strategic enhancement to its current coverage, which already includes prestigious events like the Belmont Stakes and races from Saratoga, with new broadcasts from Belmont Park set to begin in September. Michael Mulvihill, President of Insights and Analytics at Fox Corp., expressed enthusiasm for this expansion, highlighting Del Mar's unique appeal as "the place where the turf meets the surf." He noted that by incorporating Del Mar, Fox Sports will offer comprehensive summertime racing coverage across both the East and West Coasts. Mulvihill also remarked on the steady growth of their horse racing portfolio, which now features some of America's most distinguished racetracks, and anticipated further expansion.
As an immediate benefit of this new alliance, FS1 is scheduled to provide live coverage of the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic on Saturday, August 22, 2026, setting the stage for the full-season coverage that will commence in 2027. This initiative underscores Fox Sports' dedication to delivering top-tier horse racing content to its audience, promising an enriched viewing experience for enthusiasts nationwide. The continued investment in sports broadcasting, particularly in a niche as rich as horse racing, reflects a forward-thinking approach to sports media, ensuring that the thrill and tradition of the track are accessible to a broad audience.