NBC Sports recently announced an extended partnership with TVG to simulcast Trackside Live through at least May 31. With most pro leagues on hiatus due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, horse racing is one of the few options for consumers to receive new, live sports content.
Trackside Live airs on NBC Sports Network every Friday through Sunday at 4pm ET, also streaming on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Featuring several TVG on-air personalities including NBC Sports reporter Britney Eurton, the show offers sports fans live horse racing from tracks around the country.
Usually horse racing only garners national attention during Triple Crown races. The Kentucky Derby was originally scheduled for the first Saturday in May, but even with the popular event being postponed, horse racing has seen a significant uptick in viewership while other live sports are on hold. According to a recent report by Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press, horse racing viewership on Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2 and NBC Sports Network is up 206% in 2020 as compared to the same time last year.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
