LOS ANGELES (February 19, 2009) – TVG, in partnership with Emerald Downs, is expanding its coverage of premiere horseracing from Japan for the fifth consecutive year to include 18 Group 1 races, the most ever televised by TVG. TVG is the only network to broadcast Japanese horse racing in the United States. Exclusive coverage begins with the February Stakes (G1) this Saturday, February 21, at 9:25 p.m. PT.

TVG’s renewed agreement with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) grants exclusive U.S. television and advance deposit wagering rights to the network and its ADW platform. Wagering on the Japanese races through TVG will come via Emerald Downs, the Seattle track that serves as North American host for JRA racing and holds the exclusive rights to its OTB business in the U.S.

"Horseracing fans can turn to TVG for exciting and exclusive international competition," said Tony Allevato, TVG senior vice president and executive producer. "TVG is proud to provide premium television coverage and analysis of Japanese racing from the other side of the globe."

Highlights from the 2009 JRA schedule on TVG include the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) on May 23, the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) on May 30, the Japan Cup (G1) on November 29, and the Arima Kinen (G1) on December 28.

"Through the relationship with TVG and Emerald Downs, we continue to maximize the exposure of our high quality Japanese racing to North American racing fans and horsemen," said Sam Takizawa, Presidential Counselor for Foreign Affairs. "We are pleased that the North American audience can continue to enjoy our Grade I races in 2009."

"International racing has been embraced by bettors from across the U.S. and Canada,” said Susie Sourwine, Vice President Marketing, Emerald Downs. "Japanese racing is consistently one of the most exciting simulcast signals in the marketplace."


About TVG
TVG, the official TV and Interactive Wagering partner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and a subsidiary of Betfair Group Ltd, the premier e-gaming betting community, is among the most widely distributed horseracing networks in the world. TVG viewers in certain areas can wager interactively on races via telephone, the Internet, TVG Mobile or Interactive Television by establishing a wagering account online at www.tvg.com or by telephone at 1-888-PLAY-TVG.
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Media Contact:
Chris Shigas
Representing TVG
cshigas@fwv-us.com
919-308-1816(cell)