Churchill races will not be shown on the main TVG channel

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs races will not be shown on the main TVG channel when its 26-day spring meet begins Saturday, track officials acknowledged Friday.

Churchill races will be shown on TVG2, which is available in far fewer viewing outlets than TVG. In addition, Churchill again has contracted with its races to be televised on cable outlets FS1 and FS2, depending on programming. Eleven hours of racing are scheduled for the first two cards Saturday and Sunday. The FS1 and FS2 shows are produced by the New York Racing Association in partnership with Fox Sports, with Laffit Pincay III and Greg Wolf serving as anchors.

Besides the Fox shows and TVG2, the Churchill signal also is available through most advanced-deposit wagering companies. A TVG employee said Friday that fans can still wager on Churchill races through the TVG website and app, but it was unclear whether the Churchill television signal also would be available.

Churchill and TVG have had an on-again, off-again working relationship for much of the network’s two decades of existence, particularly in recent years. Churchill races were available last year on TVG, in addition to the first year of Fox coverage, but negotiations between the companies broke down this week.

“We offered the same product and deal to TVG as we did to Fox Sports, but it was rejected,” said Churchill spokesman Darren Rogers. “We welcome and continue ongoing discussions with TVG.”

As the coronavirus crisis continues, on-air personalities for Fox will not actually be onsite for the Churchill races. Churchill is allowing a small staff of its in-house broadcast team to work from the track, led by Joe Kristufek.