There’s nothing quite like the thunder of hooves down the final stretch, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of a photo finish. For horse racing enthusiasts, being able to catch that excitement live is everything. If you’re a Dish Network subscriber, you’re in luck. Dish provides dedicated channels that bring the world’s most exciting horse races right into your living room. Finding the right Horse Racing Channel On Dish Network can feel like navigating a crowded field, but this guide will get you to the finish line.
Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan who tunes in for the Triple Crown, this comprehensive overview will show you exactly where to find the action, what packages you need, and how to make the most of your viewing experience. From daily races at tracks across the country to the pomp and circumstance of the Kentucky Derby, Dish Network has you covered. Let’s break down the channels that make it all happen.
The Premier Horse Racing Channels on Dish
When it comes to dedicated, 24/7 horse racing coverage, Dish Network offers a couple of powerhouse channels. These are your go-to destinations for live races, expert analysis, and in-depth industry news.
FanDuel TV (Formerly TVG)
For years, the Television Games Network (TVG) was the undisputed king of horse racing broadcasting. Today, it’s known as FanDuel TV, but its commitment to the sport of kings remains as strong as ever. This is the primary horse racing channel on Dish Network for daily, comprehensive coverage.
You can typically find FanDuel TV on Dish Channel 399. It serves as the heart of the horse racing world, offering:
- Live Races: FanDuel TV broadcasts live races from dozens of major and minor tracks across the United States and around the world. You can watch races from iconic venues like Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, and Del Mar.
- Expert Handicapping: The channel is renowned for its team of expert analysts and handicappers. They provide pre-race picks, post-race analysis, and valuable insights that can help you make more informed wagers.
- Major Event Coverage: While some of the biggest races are on major networks, FanDuel TV provides extensive lead-up coverage, undercard races, and expert commentary for events like the Breeders’ Cup and the Triple Crown series.
- Interactive Wagering: One of the most compelling features is the integration with the FanDuel racing app, allowing for a seamless second-screen wagering experience while you watch the action unfold.
For any serious horse racing fan, FanDuel TV is an essential part of the Dish Network experience. It’s where you go for the day-in, day-out thrill of the sport.
Racetrack Television Network (RTN)
Another incredible resource for horse racing fans on Dish is the Racetrack Television Network (RTN). This isn’t just one channel; it’s a comprehensive service that provides simulcast feeds from tracks all over the globe. If you want variety, RTN is where you’ll find it.
RTN on Dish offers access to as many as 80 different live feeds, covering races from the United States, Canada, Australia, and more. This is perfect for the viewer who wants to follow specific tracks or see action from less-televised venues. Key features include:
- Unparalleled Choice: Jump between feeds from Aqueduct, Churchill Downs, and smaller regional tracks with ease.
- Pure Racing Feed: The simulcast feeds often provide a more “at-the-track” experience, complete with paddock shots, post parades, and live track commentary.
- International Action: RTN is one of the best ways to watch international races, giving you a global perspective on the sport.
This network is an add-on service, so it may require an additional subscription to your base package, but for the hardcore fan, the breadth of coverage is unmatched.
Finding Major Races on Other Sports Channels
While FanDuel TV and RTN are your daily go-to channels, the most famous horse races, including the Triple Crown events, are often broadcast on major national networks. Fortunately, these are all available on Dish.
FS1 and FS2
Fox Sports channels, specifically FS1 (Channel 150) and FS2 (Channel 149), have become major players in horse racing broadcasting. They hold the rights to many of the premier races from the New York Racing Association (NYRA). This means you can watch high-stakes events from tracks like:
- Belmont Park: Home of the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes.
- Saratoga Race Course: One of the most prestigious and historic tracks in the country, with a summer meet that attracts the world’s best horses.
FS1 and FS2 provide high-quality productions with top-tier commentary, making them essential for fans who want to watch the sport’s biggest stars compete on the grandest stages.
NBC and the Kentucky Derby
The single most-watched horse race in the United States is the Kentucky Derby. This iconic event is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is a cultural phenomenon. The broadcast rights for the “Run for the Roses,” as well as the Preakness Stakes, belong to NBC.
On Dish Network, NBC is a local channel. This means the specific channel number will vary depending on your geographic location. To find your local NBC affiliate, you can use the Dish on-screen guide and search for “NBC.” Watching the Kentucky Derby is as simple as tuning into your local station on the first Saturday in May.
What Dish Network Package Do You Need?
The availability of these channels depends on your Dish Network subscription package. Here’s a general breakdown to help you figure out if you have what you need.
- America’s Top 120 / Top 120+: These entry-level packages typically include the essentials like FS1 and your local channels (including NBC), so you’ll be able to watch the biggest marquee races.
- America’s Top 200: This is often the package where you’ll find channels like FanDuel TV and FS2. It’s a popular choice for sports fans as it offers a more comprehensive lineup of dedicated sports networks.
- America’s Top 250: The most extensive package, ensuring you have all the channels mentioned above.
- Add-On Packs: The Racetrack Television Network (RTN) is usually available as a specialty add-on to your main package for an additional monthly fee.
“The landscape of sports broadcasting is constantly evolving,” notes Dr. Alistair Finch, a sports media analyst. “Providers like Dish Network cater to niche audiences by offering specialized channels like FanDuel TV alongside mainstream networks. This hybrid approach ensures that a dedicated horse racing fan can access both daily races and major national events within a single service, which is a huge advantage.”
To be certain about your lineup, the best course of action is to check your Dish on-screen guide or log in to your account on the MyDish website.
How to Quickly Find Your Horse Racing Channel
Navigating to your favorite channel is simple with the Dish voice remote or on-screen guide.
- Use the Voice Remote: Simply press the microphone button and say “FanDuel TV,” “FS1,” or “Racetrack Television Network.” The system will take you directly to the channel.
- Use the On-Screen Guide: Press the “Guide” button on your remote. You can scroll through the channels or use the search function. Simply type in the name of the channel you’re looking for.
- Set Your Favorites: If you watch horse racing frequently, add FanDuel TV and other channels to your “Favorites” list for even quicker access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main horse racing channel on Dish Network?
The primary channel dedicated to 24/7 horse racing is FanDuel TV (formerly TVG), which can typically be found on Dish Channel 399. For even more variety, the Racetrack Television Network (RTN) add-on offers dozens of simulcast feeds.
Is TVG still on Dish Network?
Yes, but it has been rebranded. TVG is now known as FanDuel TV. You can find the same great live racing coverage and expert analysis on FanDuel TV, Channel 399.
What channel number is FanDuel Racing on Dish?
FanDuel TV (also known as FanDuel Racing) is on Dish Network channel 399. Some older guides may still list it as TVG.
Do I need a special package for horse racing on Dish?
To get FanDuel TV, you’ll likely need a package like America’s Top 200 or higher. The Racetrack Television Network (RTN) is typically a separate add-on subscription. Major races on networks like FS1 and NBC are available in most base packages.
How can I watch the Triple Crown races on Dish?
You can watch all three Triple Crown races on Dish Network. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes are broadcast on your local NBC channel. The Belmont Stakes is typically broadcast on FS1 (Channel 150).
Your Front Row Seat to the Track
With Dish Network, you never have to miss a moment of the exhilarating world of horse racing. From the daily thrill of races across the country on FanDuel TV and RTN to the pageantry of the Triple Crown on networks like NBC and FS1, you have everything you need. By ensuring you have the right package, you can turn your home into a personal paddock and enjoy a front-row seat to every race. So grab your remote, check your guide, and get ready for the heart-pounding excitement of the horse racing channel on Dish Network.
