Santa Anita Autumn Meet: A New Era in Horse Racing Broadcasts
Santa Anita Park is ushering in a new era of horse racing coverage with its 2026 autumn meet. A seasoned team of broadcasters and production professionals is poised to deliver an immersive viewing experience, especially as the prominent racing channel, FanDuel TV, concludes its nearly three-decade-long run. This shift places a greater emphasis on Santa Anita's in-house simulcast show to fulfill fans' desires for comprehensive race day insights and analysis.
Experienced Team Leads Santa Anita's Autumn Coverage
The highly anticipated autumn racing season at Santa Anita Park commences on Friday, September 25, 2026, marking the start of a 19-day event that runs every Friday through Sunday until its conclusion on Sunday, November 1. This year, the broadcast will be helmed by a distinguished panel of experts, including Michelle Yu, Zoe Cadman, Jessica Pyfer, and Millie Ball. Their collective experience, both on and off the track, promises an unparalleled depth of commentary and analysis for racing enthusiasts. Viewers can access the live action through 1ST.TV, Calracing.com, Racetrack Television Network, and various ADW platforms.
This marks the fourth consecutive year this dynamic team has provided extensive coverage for Santa Anita's autumn meet. Zoe Cadman, a former jockey with a historic riding title at Hawthorne, emphasizes her unique perspective: "As a former jockey, I scrutinize race dynamics like advantageous or disadvantageous trips, leveraging my insider's view." Cadman, who was born in South Africa and raised in England, also brings a keen eye for young talent, often having scouted horses during yearling and two-year-old sales. Michelle Yu, a Southern California native with a rich background in equestrian sports and extensive broadcast experience across networks like Fox Sports and NBC Sports, highlights the team's commitment to on-the-ground reporting. "Our crew is everywhere—the paddock, the starting gate, morning training—to give fans an authentic, informed perspective," Yu stated. Millie Ball, a British steeplechase jockey turned exercise rider for legendary trainers, contributes her deep industry connections. "My long-standing relationships with horsemen provide viewers with an authentic, unfiltered viewpoint," Ball explained. Jessica Pyfer, an Eclipse Award-winning former apprentice jockey, offers a current jockey's mindset. "We are dedicated to unearthing crucial information for bettors," Pyfer noted, adding that her experience riding with many current West Coast jockeys and galloping horses in the mornings allows her to identify well-performing horses.
The collective expertise of these four women—Michelle Yu, Zoe Cadman, Jessica Pyfer, and Millie Ball—promises a broadcasting experience that is both informative and deeply connected to the world of horse racing, offering fans an in-depth look at every facet of the sport.
This expanded broadcast role for Santa Anita's simulcast show, particularly in the wake of FanDuel TV's departure, signifies a pivotal moment for horse racing enthusiasts. It underlines the increasing importance of dedicated, expert-led coverage in maintaining fan engagement and providing valuable insights. The focus on comprehensive, 'boots-on-the-ground' reporting, combined with the unique perspectives of former jockeys and industry veterans, sets a high standard for future racing broadcasts. It's a reminder that even as platforms evolve, the core desire for authentic, informed content remains paramount for passionate followers of the sport.