Racing industry content provider XB Net secured exclusive terms in a 3-year contract extension for the Breeders’ Cup World Championship to bolster its ongoing partnership with the festival of thoroughbred racing around the world.

Broadcasting and Video-Streaming Rights

The agreement between XB Net and the Breeders’ Cup includes broadcast and video-streaming distribution rights from the 14 Championship races scheduled to take place in November at Del Mar racetrack in California and featuring $31 million in prizes.

“The Breeders’ Cup is proud to extend and expand our close collaboration with XB Net to further broaden the international reach of our world-class festival of thoroughbred racing. Sports fans and bettors around the globe can look forward to even more coverage of Championship racing from some of the most storied venues in the United States over the coming years.”

John Keitt, Executive VP and COO, Breeders’ Cup

Covering approximately 75% of North American racing, XB Net’s content and end-to-end solution ensures access to some of the most prestigious horse races worldwide, including Triple Crown events at the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, the Pegasus World Cup and the finale at the Breeders’ Cup.

“It’s a privilege to continue working in tandem with the Breeders’ Cup team and some of our finest racetracks to optimize and increase the returns to North American racing during a challenging economic period. Securing this long-term partnership underscores XB Net’s commitment to the sport and our broader status as the leading international provider of North American racing.”

Simon Fraser, SVP, International, XB Net

Raise Equine Wellbeing Bar

This year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championship is also expected to introduce significant improvements in terms of equine wellbeing and safety standards via the latest medication practices, testing, and veterinary exams, as well as management of injuries and race-surface testing.

“Our underlying resolve is to support the Breeders’ Cup’s efforts to distribute its horse racing content and wagering on a global scale. We’re confident these combined, complementary endeavours can further benefit horse racing’s consumer economy, both at home and abroad.”

Simon Fraser, SVP, International, XB Net

Utilizing live GPS-tracking data via its partnership with Total Performance Data (TPD), XB Net is set to deepen horse racing fan engagement at the Breeders’ Cup this year by tracking all participating equine athletes via their saddle cloths.

XB Net SVP Fraser outlined that North American racing proved to be one of the few elite sports to maintain its timetable throughout the period of coronavirus-related restrictions, keeping high-quality standards and data integrity.

“We witnessed record engagement levels around last year’s Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and expect to see that trend extend at this year’s Del Mar renewal. It’s wonderful to see the sport’s global popularity surge during a crucial period.”

Simon Fraser, SVP, International, XB Net