Sky Racing World adds Japanese horse racing coverage

Sky Racing World, a US-based subsidiary of Australian operator Tabcorp, has launched a new simulcasting product that will make horse racing organized by Japan’s National Association of Racing (NAR) available to US customers.

The service will officially launch on 5 April, with coverage of racing from Ohi Racecourse, also known as Tokyo City Keiba.

Through the exclusive agreement, Sky Racing World will distribute weekly simulcasts, running from Sunday to Thursday each week. This will initially feature coverage from Tokyo City Keiba, alongside Funabashi and Kawasaki Racecourses, including high-profile events such as Tokyo Sprint and the Japan Dirt Derby.

Coverage will be available via all live streaming and advance deposit wagering platforms partnered with Sky Racing World, as well as for free via the supplier’s website.

The agreement further expands Sky Racing World’s simulcasting catalogue, which already includes coverage of racing from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Korea and Singapore.

“We have been working together with Japan NAR to launch the simulcast of their Japanese racing product into North America for some time,” Sky Racing World president and chief executive David Haslett said.

“It's pleasing to be able to introduce this quality entertainment offering, especially in these times when audiences have seen their usual sports entertainment offerings reduced,” he said. “We have recently experienced the temporary cancellations of our racing simulcasts from New Zealand, South Africa and Korea due to coronavirus.

“The launch of Japanese simulcasting is another important step in our growth as a leading provider of international horse-racing competition and we’re very proud to distribute this high-quality product on their behalf.”