With NBC signing the Breeders' Cup to a new media rights deal, Breeders' Cup spokesperson Jim Gluckson took a few moments today to discuss the deal and the decision to move the U.S. rights off ESPN. Gluckson: “NBC has made a strong commitment to (horse) racing. They have created an attractive multiyear proposal for us, making it a win-win for all parties. ESPN has been a great partner for the past six years and we’re still working with them for the global distribution of the Breeders’ Cup. They still have the international rights.”
Gluckson also discussed the new 8:00-9:00pm ET timeslot for the Breeders' Cup Classic: “I think it will be great, I think we’re looking forward to the fact … that the Breeders’ Cup Classic will be televised in primetime. … This is the first time the Classic has ever been in primetime, and this is one of the few times over the years that a major thoroughbred event has been broadcast in primetime. This is significant for us to expose the Breeders’ Cup Classic." Gluckson added, "I think we’ll get a lot more viewers."
