The region’s only television program covering thoroughbred horse racing is on the move!
Starting January 5, 2019, the Parx Racing-based, weekly television show, Let’s Go Racing Parx, will air on WPHL-TV, Channel 17. The show has long been sponsored and supported by The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (PTHA), and has been a fixture on local television for two decades. It’s the only program in the region that features highlights of local racing, as well as major and national stakes races.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Let’s Go Racing Parx,” said Salvatore M. DeBunda, Esq., President of the PTHA and Executive Producer of the show. “The move to Channel 17 will allow more people to see the show, since their programming is available via over the air, cable, and satellite systems. This is great for our loyal fans and will help attract a new audience to thoroughbred horse racing.” When the show moves to WPHL-TV, it will continue in its current time slot of Saturdays, at 10:00 AM.
Joe Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of Parx Racing, says he’s happy the show is making
the move, “Thoroughbred racing is obviously popular across the Delaware Valley. We see that with the current attendance at our racing events and through the increasing number of new fans visiting us at Parx Racing. Providing the show with the widest possible audience simply makes sense. We look forward to working with the team at Channel 17 to expand the audience for thoroughbred racing.”
In addition to the weekly show, the widely popular Pennsylvania Derby, the premier racing event at Parx Racing and a top prep race for three-year olds, will also now be broadcast on WPHL. “We have long targeted Let’s Go Racing Parx and The Pennsylvania Derby as assets for WPHL-TV,” said Vincent Giannini SVP/General Manager of Channel 17. “Let’s Go Racing Parx is a great fit with our growing list of local broadcast assets,” Giannini added, “and we are thrilled to be the new home of The Pennsylvania Derby. This race is the diamond in this new relationship and we look forward to sharing The Pennsylvania Derby with the current audience as well as prospective new fans.” The Pennsylvania Derby and The Cotillion Stakes—a companion event held the same day for three-year old fillies—are races that attract top horses and trainers from around the world, carry $1 million in prize money, and are typically held in late September.
Let’s Go Racing Parx is co-hosted by two Parx Hall of Fame members, longtime track announcer Keith Jones and award-winning journalist Dick Jerardi. The show is produced by former Philadelphia sports anchor Bruce Casella, also a member of the Parx Racing Hall of Fame.
More information on the show can be found at LetsGoRacingParx.com.