by NYRA Press Office
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced today that FS1 has partnered with NYRA to present national coverage for the first time of the 157th running of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.
Airing in the United States on Monday, November 6, and with limited commercial interruption made possible by NYRA Bets, the AUD$6.25 million Emirates Melbourne Cup is the centerpiece of two-hours of FS1 coverage featuring in-studio analysis from Greg Wolf, Tom Amoss and Gabby Gaudet. Among this year's early acceptances for the "race that stops a nation" are last year's Cup hero Almandin, vying to give owner Lloyd Williams a record sixth win in the race; Group 1 Caulfield Cup winner Boom Time; as well as Irish invader Red Cardinal, the first winner of the Belmont Gold Cup to make a bid in Australia's most famous race.
"Coming out of Breeders Cup weekend, this is the perfect time to showcase one of the most exciting events in international racing," said Michael Mulvihill, FOX Sports Executive Vice President, Research, League Operations & Strategy. "Our company has deep roots in Australian sport, and we're proud to make FS1 the American home of the Melbourne Cup."
Contested over a distance of two miles at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday, November 7 with an approximate post time of 3 P.M. in Melbourne, the Cup is the oldest and biggest race in Australia, and the centerpiece of the annual Melbourne Cup Carnival.
"The Melbourne Cup is right at the top of international racing, and is truly one of the premier events in global sports," said Tony Allevato, President of NYRA Bets and Executive Producer of NYRA TV. "NYRA is thrilled to play a role in bringing this kind of unique coverage to sports fans across the United States."
The two-hour FS1 telecast will begin at 9:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 6, with coverage and analysis leading up to post time for the Melbourne Cup at 11:00 p.m.
NYRA Bets is the best way to play the Melbourne Cup, with wagering available on the entire Flemington card. In addition, NYRA Bets is pleased to offer a special $20 FREE PLAY for new members singing up on November 6. Please visit NYRABets.com for all details. Also, Longshots, NYRA's premier simulcast facility at Aqueduct Racetrack, will be open for the Melbourne Cup coverage.