Breeders' Cup, LARC Build on Relationship

Breeders' Cup and the Latin American Racing Channel, which facilitates simulcasts to and from other countries, including the United States, are continuing to build on their relationship with a five-year partnership agreement through 2020.

"They're kind of dipping their toe in the water with Breeders' Cup," Bryan Pettigrew, senior vice president of marketing for Breeders' Cup, said Sept. 29. "They've attended unofficially before, and decided to step it up this year as a partner.

"It's really about hosting some international guests. They're also helping cover some of the costs of the apiary."

The apiary is a private entertainment spot for Breeders' Cup participants in Lexington. The LARC also will have branding opportunities the week of Breeders' Cup, its commercials will be "on the loop" with Breeders' Cup races, and it will bring in a band from Argentina, Pettigrew said.

The number of Latin American races of interest to Breeders' Cup also continues to expand. Earlier this year there were five major stakes—two in Argentina and one each in Brazil, Chile, and Peru—that were part of the 2015 Breeders' Cup Challenge series of qualifying races.

"We'd like to expand the partnership in the future to include not only simulcasts but also to give breeders and nominators in South America more opportunities (through Breeders' Cup)," Pettigrew said.

LARC said it has been a "a pioneer and strong advocate" of the exchange of simulcast signals among various countries. Tracks owned by The Stronach Group, for instance, regularly offer simulcasts from South American racetracks; LARC also has partnership agreements with France Galop and The Jockey Club.