A skilled team of on-air personalities and a leading production crew are returning to bring fans full live coverage of the thrilling 2026 Autumn Meet at Santa Anita Park, starting from opening day on Friday. The nationally recognized simulcast lineup includes hosts and analysts Michelle Yu, Zoe Cadman, Jessica Pyfer, and Millie Ball—offering a critical new home for racing fans as FanDuel TV, a longtime broadcaster for horse racing, wraps up after more than 27 years.
The 19-day Autumn Meet features premier Thoroughbred racing every Friday through Sunday until the finale on November 1. Viewers can catch the action not only on FanDuel TV but also through the Santa Anita simulcast show on platforms like 1ST.TV, Calracing.com, Racetrack Television Network, and betting sites such as 1stbet.com and Xpressbet.com. This will mark the team’s fourth year providing detailed commentary during the event.
Zoe Cadman, a former jockey who made history in 2001 as the first woman to win a riding title at Hawthorne, brings a unique rider’s perspective, offering analysis on race tactics and horse performance. Michelle Yu—a lifelong equestrian and broadcast veteran with experience at Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and HRTV—delivers an immersive, on-the-ground view of each race day from the paddock to the morning workouts. Yu also supports stable operations for her husband, Santa Anita trainer Ryan Hanson.
Millie Ball, part of the Santa Anita broadcast team since 2003 and a former steeplechase jockey, draws on her deep relationships with industry insiders to offer authentic insights to viewers. Jessica Pyfer, a former jockey and 2021 Eclipse Award winner for outstanding apprentice jockey, joined the team last fall after retiring. With strong ties to the West Coast racing community and active morning galloping duties, Pyfer provides expert perspectives on jockey strategies and horse conditions.
Opening day’s first post is set for 1 p.m. PT on Friday, followed by a packed 10-race card Saturday featuring five stakes, including two automatic qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup (Grade 1 Goodwood and Grade 2 City of Hope Mile). Sunday’s nine-race program includes two more Breeders’ Cup qualifiers, the Grade 2 Zenyatta Stakes and Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship, with post time also at 1 p.m.
For additional details about the 2026 Autumn Meet at Santa Anita, visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.
Fan Take: This comprehensive simulcast coverage is crucial for horse racing enthusiasts, especially as a major broadcaster exits the scene, ensuring fans continue to have rich, expert insights into every race. The presence of experienced former jockeys and broadcasters deepens the connection between viewers and the sport, potentially attracting new followers and elevating the profile of Thoroughbred racing nationwide.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
