Stephens/Manhattan NOT on TV?????

[justindew]

Even though this sucks, it really isn't that hard to understand. ABC knows the majority of its viewers don't care about the Manhattan. And in reality, I can see hoards of people flipping over to ABC and stupidly thinking the Manhattan is the Belmont, and then changing the channel. ABC would rather show stories about Desormeaux, Dutrow, UPS, and Eight Belles than a grass race that probably 90% of viewers don't care about.

Plus, ABC doesn't want to have their audience divided between two networks by allowing ESPN to stay on the air while the main broadcast on ABC is taking place.

I bet the Stephens will be shown live before ESPN goes off the air.

Plus, this happens every year.

[jwkniska]

Well, since they're also televising the Arlington Million in two months... and the Manhattan is the NY prep for it... you'd think it'd be a good way to get in another plug for an upcoming telecast.

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by justindew

Plus, this happens every year.

My memory is not good, but I think you are absolutely correct. The first thing I thought when I saw this thread is, why is this news? It happens every year.

I prefer to watch the track feed on my ADW until the race is about to go off and then I change the channel and watch. If the network doesn't go live, I just stick with the ADW.

Well I'm satisfied that the Acorn will be televised. It's an important NY prep for the Gardenia.

Sucks that the Woody is not on t.v. Should be a banger of a race.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

My memory is not good, but I think you are absolutely correct. The first thing I thought when I saw this thread is, why is this news? It happens every year.

I prefer to watch the track feed on my ADW until the race is about to go off and then I change the channel and watch. If the network doesn't go live, I just stick with the ADW.

It has definitely happened every year since 2003. I remember I had bets on Midas Eyes (who lost to Posse) and Denon (I think) who won. Neither race was on TV.

And it isn't just Belmont Day. Derby Day, and the Preakness.

[zippyneedsawin]

Originally Posted by justindew

Even though this sucks, it really isn't that hard to understand. ABC knows the majority of its viewers don't care about the Manhattan. And in reality, I can see hoards of people flipping over to ABC and stupidly thinking the Manhattan is the Belmont, and then changing the channel. ABC would rather show stories about Desormeaux, Dutrow, UPS, and Eight Belles than a grass race that probably 90% of viewers don't care about.

Plus, ABC doesn't want to have their audience divided between two networks by allowing ESPN to stay on the air while the main broadcast on ABC is taking place.

I bet the Stephens will be shown live before ESPN goes off the air.

Plus, this happens every year.

i think it is hard to understand. There are a limited number of live races running during their coverage.. why would they choose NOT to show the only live sporting action going on? Yes, I know they want to show their features, etc.. but, c'mon, their primary goal should be to show sports. It's pretty stupid in my opinion.

[Stall Mucker]

The primary goal of ABC is to show the Belmont. If others are aired on ESPN & ABC it will be a gift.

The primary goal of the racing channel venues (OTBTV,TVG HRTV, NYCOTB) is to show racing. Unless an advisory from NYRA is updated, so far, the only race restricted from "live" show is the Belmont which will be replayed on the () networks.