
Belmont Stakes: Fox Sports Looks To Serve Casual, Hardcore Fans With Dual Coverage on Fox, FS1 It's the broadcaster's first presentation of the third gem in the Triple Crown By Jason Dachman, Chief Editor
Friday, June 9, 2023 - 10:25 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
The Belmont Stakes has a new broadcast home this year, and with it will come a whole new look for viewers watching at home. Fox Sports will bring its signature high-impact style to its first-ever presentation of the Triple Crown's third gem. That means not only plenty of production firepower for the coverage but also dual-screen coverage of race day on Fox and FS1.
Fox will deliver the primary broadcast, and FS1 will target the experienced horseplayer with an alternative telecast that will go deeper into handicapping than any other Triple Crown pre-race show has ever gone.
With the gambling aspect in horse racing, there's an endless amount of data, says Fox Sports VP, Field Operations and Engineering, Brad Cheney. Our goal is to help bring that forward to better tell the story. We feel that having two networks running broadcasts simultaneously is going to allow us to do that. We are going to be able to serve the casual fan on Fox, but we're also serving hardcore racing fans on FS1. We've got a great mix - the right people and the right technology - to make that happen.
Fox Sports flagship Game Creek Video Encore is onsite to produce the main Belmont Stakes broadcast on Fox.
The coverage will leap out of the gate at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday with four hours of America's Day at the Races coverage on FS1 followed by an hour of America's Day at the Belmont on Fox. Fox's Belmont Day on Fox and FS1's America's Day at the Belmont pre-race coverage will begin concurrently at 4 p.m. The two networks begin their respective coverage of the race itself at 6:30 p.m., with a post time of 7:05 p.m.
Test of Champions: Covering the Oldest, Longest Triple Crown Track Fox has rolled out 39 cameras to capture all the action on and around the track at Belmont Park, including a whopping 14 super-slo-mos (a mix of 3X and 6X high-speed) and a Fletcher X-Mo system running at 3,000 fps.
We threw the kitchen sink at this one, says Cheney, so we will have an absolute tonnage of super slow motion. We're looking forward to providing some great looks not only of the horses and jockeys themselves but of the beauty and the majesty of the entire day at Belmont. We think all this slow motion helps us do that more than anything else. These horses are running at such high speeds and are such amazing athletes; those super-slo-mos are going to allow us to capture that in a really dramatic way.
Fox Sports is deploying 39 cameras at Belmont Park, including 14 super-slo-mos and an Inertia Unlimited X-Mo system.
Fox, which will produce the broadcast in 1080p HDR (although it will be distributed largely to the home in SDR), is also equipped with two RF Steadicams and three RF handhelds to rove the grounds. In addition, three jibs will be positioned at Fox's main set, paddock set, and inside the paddock, and a Technocrane will offer compelling shots of the finish line and winner's circle. On the track, a point-to-point cable system on the backstretch (another is in the paddock), and a helicopter will provide overhead shots. A Jockey Cam and a Rider Cam (worn by reporter Maggie Wolfendale on horseback) will provide first-person POV shots. Fox's features team will also be onsite shooting cinematic content for the broadcast.
In terms of audio, Senior Sound Engineer Joe Carpenter and his team are deploying a new audio plan that will position additional parabolic microphones on the track, as well as mics on some of the jockeys and horses (pending approval).
Veteran studio host Curt Menefee will anchor Fox's pre-race and race coverage from the main set near the finish line, joined by analysts Tom Amoss and Mike Smith. A second set in the paddock will be anchored by host Charissa Thompson with wagering expert Chris Fallica (making his Fox Sports debut) alongside. A third set is located inside at the Belmont Fan Central location to showcase fans onsite and betting action taking place. Reporter Tom Rinaldi will be on hand sharing stories from within and beyond the track; Wolfendale will be horseback throughout the day.
Behind the Scenes: Fox, NYRA, Carr-Hughes Team Up for Dual Coverage Inside Fox's flagship truck, Game Creek Video Encore, producing the main broadcast (which serves both the domestic market and the world feed) will be Emmy Award-winning producers Bill Richards (Fox NFL Sunday) and Pete Macheska (lead MLB and MLB Postseason) and Emmy Award-winning director Matt Gangl (lead MLB and MLB Postseason).
On Saturday, Carr-Hughes Productions will be inside a High Rock Mobile TV truck, working with NYRA (New York Racing Association) to produce the betting-focused broadcast on FS1 from a pair of sets in the paddock and inside the main building. FS1 and FS2 coverage leading up to race day is produced by NYRA, which handles those networks' horse-racing coverage all year long out of four NYRA Mobile TV trucks.
We've worked closely with colleagues at NYRA, notes Cheney. It has been a great combined effort. They produce horse-racing programming week in and week out all year long and will continue to do so through race day. Nobody knows this sport better.
Fox Sports' Belmont Stakes operations team
Leading the race coverage are Director, Field Operations, Dave Jones; Executive Director, Field Operations, Sarita Meinking; and Director, Remote Studio Operations, Rob Mikulicka. Also key to the operation are Lead Tech Producer Doug Fuchs; Tech Producers Sid Drexler, David Zulauf, and Brian Obert; Lead Operations Manager Stephen Rebout; and Operations Managers
Most recent headlines
04/12/2023
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, announced the release of Dalet Cut, the cloud-native, lightning-fast multimedia a...
25/09/2023
Visit ToolsOnAir at NAB New York 2023 Javits Center, October 25-26, 2023
Come join us in celebrating ToolsOnAir's 15-year anniversary!
The ToolsOnAir...
25/09/2023
During the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the Indigenous Program announced Caroline Monnet (Anishinaabe/French) as the recipient of this year's Merata Mita Fe...
25/09/2023
Across cultures, countries, and communities, the stories we share bring us toget...
25/09/2023
The sample return capsule from NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is seen shortly aft...
25/09/2023
Find out how law enforcement driving simulators help save the lives of both law enforcement officers and civilians by making officers safer drivers....
25/09/2023
L3Harris SAFESHOT and AFTU-M solutions to deliver a cost-effective system for U...
25/09/2023
All four RS-25 engines, built by Aerojet Rocketdyne, are installed to NASA's Space Launch System core stage for the Artemis II mission. These engines will h...
25/09/2023
To celebrate Word Gorilla Day 2023, we're sharing the story of two very special gorillas-Angela, a western lowland gorilla born at the Los Angeles Zoo-and L...
25/09/2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. Federal Communications Commission chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced the appointment of Dr. Johannes M. Bauer as chief economist for ...
25/09/2023
NEW YORK NBCUniversal has promoted Rick Cordella to the role of president, NBC Sports, where he will report into Mark Lazarus, chairman, NBCUniversal Media Grou...
25/09/2023
Today's consumers have an increasing array of choices when it comes to consuming media and broadcasters are uniquely positioned to attract more viewers than...
25/09/2023
NBCUniversal said it has promoted Rick Cordella to president of NBC Sports....
25/09/2023
The Continental: From the World of John Wick debuts on Peacock Friday, September...
25/09/2023
Lachlan Murdoch, named this week to succeed his father Rupert Murdoch as chairman of Fox Corp., received total compensation of $21.8 million in fiscal 2023, acc...
25/09/2023
Religious broadcasters felt left out of last weeks state of the video marketplace hearing....
25/09/2023
The negotiating committee for the Writers Guild of America told members that a tentative agreement has been made with Hollywood's big movie and television p...
25/09/2023
By Jenny Priestley
Published: September 25, 2023
Maidstone Studios has played host to Wes Anderson's new Netflix film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sug...
25/09/2023
[One of the] sticking points towards the end of the negotiation process was arou...
25/09/2023
The new showroom will enable customers to interact with technology, including cameras, motion solutions, an LED volume stage, lighting solutions and a Monitor W...
25/09/2023
Amagi, the global leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and connected TV, has announced its annual LA FAST Conference will be held on Sept. 26 fro...
25/09/2023
Media Links, manufacturer and pioneer in Media over IP transport technology, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, announces a new distribution partner, V...
25/09/2023
In a significant move to bolster its digital video capabilities, Amagi, the global leader in cloud-based SaaS solutions for broadcast and connected TV, has anno...
25/09/2023
New Location Features High-tech Upgrades, Inspirational Settings and Modern Amenities to Drive R&D
DPA Microphones, a leading manufacturer of high-quality miki...
25/09/2023
Maxon, developers of professional software solutions for editors, filmmakers, motion designers, visual effects artists and creators of all types, is excited to ...
25/09/2023
Durable, User-Friendly SMPTE Cables Hold up to the Challenging Conditions of Large, Traveling Broadcast Sports Productions
As Founder and CEO of both Purple T...
25/09/2023
Just as ARRI's SkyPanel X releases, DoPchoice is ready with their popular range of light control accessories. By incorporating the RABBIT EARS mounting sys...
25/09/2023
Cine Gear Expo announces that Free Registration is open for the industry s top Hollywood-style event to be held at the world-renowned Trilith Studios Atlanta in...
25/09/2023
Acronis, a global cyber protection company, announced the launch of Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (formerly Acronis True Image). The innovative software off...
25/09/2023
Perry Littman Wins 2024 Chyron Designer of the Year
Chyron has named Perry Littman the 2023 Chyron Designer of the Year for EMEA and APAC. Littman is on the te...
25/09/2023
25 September, 2023 PlayBox Neo, the global leader in broadcast-quality media management and playout solutions, reports a well-attended and successful 2023 Int...
25/09/2023
Experience Commerce; a Cheil India Company, today announced that it has been Great Place To Work Certified in India. This prestigious Certification underscore...
25/09/2023
25 09 2023 - Media release Screen Australia announces over $10 million of produc...
25/09/2023
Corp HR Recruiter/Generalist Na'Tasia Robinson & Corp Talent Acquisition Specialist Lori Grant got a chance to talk about CBC Job opportunities and culture ...
25/09/2023
The second class of Capitol Broadcasting's Emerging Leaders Program launched in mid-August, and the college student interns are already showing a stellar wo...
25/09/2023
Usher To Headline Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show It's the fifth year for NFL-Roc Nation collaboration on the event By Dan Daley, Audio Editor
Monday, Sep...
25/09/2023
Tennessee Titans, The Famous Group Implement Mobile-Based, Mixed-Reality Game-Da...
25/09/2023
Interviews available
First look: here
Images and screener: here
Presented by beloved Australian actor, presenter and screen legend Noni Hazlehurst (June Agai...
25/09/2023
Qube Wire and Goldenduck are bringing Electronic Delivery to Thailand, Vietnam a...
25/09/2023
Back to All News
Netflix Sponsors Program to Cultivate Vietnamese Film Talent
Charlie Nguyen, a leading Vietnamese film director and producer, will be leading...
25/09/2023
Africa Fact of the Day: Riskiest countries to do business in Africa - 25 Septemb...
25/09/2023
Streaming Today: Little Baby Bum on Netflix - 25 September 2023Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your fa...
25/09/2023
Pablo Picasso R2.25 billion masterpiece begins pre-auction tour in DubaiA Pablo Picasso masterpiece expected to fetch at least $120 million (R2.25 billion) at a...
25/09/2023
Tonight on Uzalo: Njinji gives Nomaswazi some tips about falling pregnantDon't get left behind, catch up on Uzalo now! Episodes of Uzalo air on SABC1 from M...
25/09/2023
Tonight on Generations: A woman questions her decision to make a deal with the d...
25/09/2023
Tonight on Gqeberha: Bulelwa blames Anathi for bringing shame to the MxengesDon't miss tonight's episode of Gqeberha: The Empire, and watch the latest e...
25/09/2023
Tonight on Umkhokha: The Curse | The Mthembus do right by Mlungisi, even in his ...
25/09/2023
Tonight on Gomora: Gladys accepts the proposal to marry NkosinathiDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of Gomora, and watch the l...
25/09/2023
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Sakhile is Mthetho's prime suspect as Jaxon...
25/09/2023
Tonight on The River: Nomonde makes a move against LindiweWatch tonight's episode of The River and catch the latest episode every weekday at 20:00 on 1 Magi...