As of today, more than two million households in Canada now have access to live horse racing 24 hours a day for the entire month of March.

Ontario Racing, in partnership with Woodbine Entertainment, announced today that it is presenting a free preview of HPItv throughout the month of March for Bell Television subscribers.

“As part of our mandate to promote our sport, Ontario Racing is proud to present this free preview as a fantastic opportunity for both casual and dedicated fans to experience world-class horse racing from across the globe, including outstanding live racing coverage from racetracks across Ontario,” said John Hayes, Independent Chair, Ontario Racing. “Viewers will also be able to access professional handicapping tips, in-depth race analysis, and get the chance to see some of the sport’s top stars, both equine and human, vie for victory at racetracks throughout North America and beyond.”

Since 2005, HPItv, which is owned and operated by Woodbine Entertainment, has delivered thrilling, worldwide horse racing action to fans in the comfort of their homes or through their preferred mobile device. The March free preview on Bell features three premium racing channels, each with its own unique programing, that combine to showcase a multitude of races daily from across the world.

“Horse racing is an exciting sport and we are confident that if we continue to provide opportunities to make our sport more accessible, especially while fans cannot attend racetracks in person, interest in our sport will only grow,” said Christina Litz, Vice President, Business Development and Revenue, Woodbine Entertainment. “Last year we launched Racing Night Live on TSN and saw hundreds of thousands of new fans engage with horse racing. This free preview of HPItv is another strategy to grow our sport and we are proud to partner with Ontario Racing on this initiative for fans.”

Seasoned handicappers and new fans to racing will have the chance to watch and wager on world-class live racing currently being held throughout Ontario: Woodbine Mohawk Park, The Raceway at Western Fair District, Rideau Carleton Raceway and Flamboro Downs.

“The Raceway at Western Fair District is thrilled to learn of the free preview of HPItv for the month of March, sponsored by Ontario Racing,” said Rob Lumsden, Director of Raceway & Grandstand, The Raceway at ​Western Fair District. “Whether you’re a first-time player or seasoned handicapper this is a great opportunity to get into the action, attract new fans and to continue to grow the fan base of harness racing in Ontario.”

HPItv features up to four tracks of live racing on a single screen from 6:30 a.m. (ET) to 2 a.m. (ET), daily. Many of the world’s most prestigious racetracks including Woodbine Racetrack (Canada), Churchill Downs (U.S.), Santa Anita (U.S.), Saratoga (U.S.), Epsom Downs (U.K.), Ascot Racecourse (U.K.), Flemington Racecourse (Australia), Meydan Racecourse (Dubai), Sha Tin Racecourse (Hong Kong), Tokyo Racecourse (Japan), as well as other venues in South Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond, are featured on HPItv.

Additionally, HPItv is home to the sport’s most prestigious events including the Kentucky Derby (U.S.), Breeders’ Cup (U.S.A.), Epsom Derby (U.K.) and Canada’s iconic Queen’s Plate, slated for August 22 this year at Woodbine Racetrack.

As premium channels, the HPItv package is typically only available to subscribers, however the free preview is available to all Bell Television users from March 1 to March 31 on channels 477 to 480 on satellite and channels 475 to 478 on Bell Fibe TV.

Fans who wish to enhance their experience can complement their viewing by signing up for HPIbet.com. HPIbet is Canada’s leading horse racing wagering site and is a safe, secure and convenient way to ensure users don’t miss a moment of the action or an opportunity to place a bet.

(Woodbine Entertainment Group)