HBA Media Logo | Horse Racing International Media Rights
2017: The Year Ahead
Laura Stevens • Jan 09, 2017

The HBA International Racing Blog

Dirt horses topped the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings in 2016, with Juddmonte owned Arrogate leading the now six-year-old California Chrome by a rating of 134 to Chrome’s 133. It is only fitting therefore that all eyes are on the Pegasus World Cup Invitational as the first great international contest of 2017, where the two have been confirmed to run in the race at Gulfstream Park, on the dirt over 1 and 1/8 miles.

Twelve runners will line-up for their chance at the world record $12 million USD purse. To date, eight horses have been confirmed for this inaugural event, which offers a brand new format to the sport of kings. Arrogate and California Chrome look set to oppose a number of horses they have previous victories against, however the Argentinian raider Eragon will not be looking to be joining these ranks. A multiple Group 1 winner in his native Argentina, Eragon is for the first time trying his hand beyond the two courses that he’s made a name for himself at back home.

Whilst the confirmed entry list grows for the race on January 28th, it’s the 13th jockey that’s stealing all the headlines for the riders. UFC Champion and global sports star Conor McGregor has launched his campaign to become the “pound for pound number one jockey on the planet”.

With California Chrome expected to retire following the Pegasus World Cup, the door is wide open for Arrogate to take victory in the biggest dirt races of the year, including the Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March, before the turf stars of the Northern Hemisphere make their seasonal reappearances, and then the Breeders’ Cup Classic in early November.

After a most impressive 1-2-3 in the 2016 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Aidan O’Brien is sure to be firing on all cylinders again through 2017. The retirement of fantastic servant Found will not hinder his quest for success, perhaps spearheaded by his star colt, Churchill. The Guineas in May and the Derby in June could provide a double last won by the magnificent Camelot. Overseas though, O’Brien’s globetrotting star Highland Reel will be looking to secure victory in some of the world’s most prestigious races. Similar performances to the mesmerising display in the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Turf should see him go close across the world, including another potential tilt at the end of season Hong Kong Vase in December, part of the star studded Hong Kong International Races.

A Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victory may be a bridge too far for the now five-year-old with the 2016 emergence of two very high quality French horses. Dual Champion Stakes winner Almanzor could be an unstoppable force through 2017, and if a schedule without the Arc is planned, then last year’s Prix De Diane winner, and still unbeaten filly, La Cressonniere will look to oblige for the home support at Chantilly.

Down under it’s one horse capturing all the plaudits, Australian Horse of the Year, Winx. The Chris Waller trained Winx, could well be in line to secure a third consecutive Cox Plate. Plans to bring the mare to Europe have been extinguished in order to allow her to equal the record of Cox Plate victories with the great Australian horse, Kingston Town. She is an ante post 2/1 for the victory, and this market is a stark contrast to the Melbourne Cup market, where the joint favourites are 2016 winner Almandin and third place Hartnell, at 20/1.

It’s sure to be another thrilling year of international action on the turf courses and dirt tracks around the world. We hope all of our clients enjoy the year of racing ahead.

HBA offers international rights and distribution services to some of the world’s most prestigious races, including the upcoming Pegasus World Cup Invitational on Saturday 28th January. Contact us for more information by email at racing@hbaracing.tv or call +44(0) 1666 822769.

By Hannah Tufnell 28 Mar, 2024
CJRFantasy continues with the Dubai World Cup on Saturday, 30th March
By Hannah Tufnell 26 Mar, 2024
HBA Media strikes new gamification partnership with Genius Sports to launch first international horse racing fantasy game  New ‘Crown Jewels Racing’ fantasy game launched to consolidate global horse racing calendar Game available for premium international races including the Dubai World Cup, Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Breeders’ Cup and Melbourne Cup HBA Media to promote new game in international world feeds, supported by over 25 broadcasters
HBA Media | The Saudi Cup secures high-volume international coverage for its fifth consecutive year
By Hannah Tufnell 22 Feb, 2024
The Saudi Cup 2024 – the world’s most valuable horse race - will be shown live by over 30 broadcasters with a reach that targets all corners of the globe for the $20 million contest.
HBA Media | a jockey is riding a horse on a race track .
By Hannah Tufnell 24 Jan, 2024
Held in Miami on Saturday, 27th January, the $5.3 million raceday features seven graded contests culminating with the $3 million Pegasus World Cup.
HBA Media | a jockey is riding a horse in front of a city skyline .
By Hannah Tufnell 07 Dec, 2023
Sunday, 10th December marks the final premier race day within the 2023 calendar - The Longines Hong Kong International Races - at Sha Tin Racecourse, which has benefitted from increased international exposure courtesy of HBA Media (HBA).
HBA Media | a group of men in top hats are walking on a grassy field .
By Hannah Tufnell 30 Nov, 2023
Ascot Racecourse and HBA Media (HBA) have extended their international media and distribution rights agreement with a newly awarded four-year-term.
HBA Media | a jockey is riding a horse in front of a crowd of people .
By Hannah Tufnell 03 Nov, 2023
The Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australia’s greatest horse racing festival, will be showcased by sports networks in every major continent for the first time.
HBA Media | a jockey is riding a horse in a race .
By Hannah Tufnell 02 Nov, 2023
Celebrating its 40th year, the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, Calif on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th November. Reflecting the international nature of the event, an improved 23 networks will broadcast the event into every continent.
HBA Media | Qatar Prix del’Arc de Triomphe secures worldwide coverage
By Hannah Tufnell 28 Sep, 2023
The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (October 1st) has many headline stories with Frankie Dettori being the undisputed star of the international circuit. As the retiring jockey bids to add to his record six ‘Arc’ wins, 25 international broadcasters are poised to showcase the dramatic action.
More Posts
Share by: