from Horse Races Now

Lexington, KY — Horse Races Now (HRN) and Roberts Communications Network (RCN) have come to an impasse over contract negotiations concerning horse racing video feed. RCN has opted to turn off the video feed to HRN, causing the abrupt disruption of both live and race replay videos on the HRN app for more than 66 racetracks.

Roberts Communications Network, created in 1984, is a primary communications video provider to the pari-mutuel and horse racing industry.

HRN fully intends to find a solution with RCN. Otherwise, litigation concerning the business practices of RCN could be undertaken. Horse Races Now has had rapid growth through their iPhone and Android applications and that growth has led to a dramatic increase in user bandwidth, leading RCN to demand an unrealistic compensation package for HRN.

“We are trying to find a positive here. Obviously, the growth of Horse Races Now is good for the sport, which the industry needs. However, entities that have controlled these delivery systems seem threatened by our growth. I’ll take that as a compliment,” said HRN founder Kenneth McPeek. “We want fans to see the races and our model is based on advertising around the video feed; subscription based services are dead. We are fighting for the fans and will continue to, hopefully, work this out as soon as possible. The fan support has already been huge.”

Horse Races Now, the free app, has had more than 500,000 downloads in 200 countries since its development just four years ago. Seasoned horse racing professionals to casual fans praise the app’s comprehensive features, giving racing followers of all levels the easiest tool to stay connected and engaged with horse racing. Younger fans have flocked to the app, a demographic horse racing needs to stay viable as a sport in the future, and one the industry has had challenges connecting with.

McPeek added that, “I firmly believe that until the horse racing industry figures out how to deliver races broadly to the fans, the sport will never grow. I believe Horse Races Now is the solution. We are fighting to make horse racing accessible for all fans.”