NYRA, TrackNet reach agreement governing wagering, broadcast rights

NYRA, TrackNet reach agreement governing wagering,

broadcast rights

The New York Racing Association announced on Friday that it has entered into

a content exchange agreement with TrackNet Media Group, LLC. The agreement will

permit TrackNet-affiliated racetracks, simulcast-wagering facilities and

account-wagering providers to accept wagers on a non-exclusive basis on races

from Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. Likewise, NYRA's

racetracks and account wagering system will be permitted to accept wagers on a

non-exclusive basis on races conducted at all TrackNet-affiliated racetracks.

The agreement also grants HorseRacing TV non-exclusive rights to televise

races conducted at NYRA's three racetracks. In addition, TrackNet's affiliated

account-wagering businesses, including TwinSpires.com, will be able to offer

live video streaming of races from NYRA tracks.

"NYRA is committed to securing the broadest possible distribution for its

renowned racing product," said Charles Hayward, NYRA President & Chief Executive

Officer. "Partnering with TrackNet and its affiliated account-wagering and

television companies is a tremendous step forward in reaching that goal. Our

patrons will be glad to know that tracks under the TrackNet umbrella will

continue to be part of the wagering menu of our own NYRA Rewards account

wagering platform."

"New York offers some of the most dynamic horse racing in the country," said

TrackNet Chief Executive Officer Scott Daruty. "Officials with NYRA have

demonstrated great foresight and customer focus by embracing an open-content

model and making NYRA races available to a wide array of wagering outlets,

including TwinSpires.com and XpressBet, and to more than one horse-racing

television channel. New York horsemen and racetracks will benefit from this

decision, as will wagering customers around the country who enjoy betting on

NYRA races and who can now do so through their preferred on-track or off-track

wagering platform."

Pending appropriate approvals, NYRA's agreement with TrackNet will run

through the end of 2008.