This guide helps sports fans find free-to-air horse racing in three major markets and explains where tvg com live racing fits in the current distribution landscape. It focuses on practical steps you can take to confirm over-the-air reception ahead of race day, plus quick checklists for common scenarios. If you want to watch a marquee race without a subscription, this article walks through which networks commonly carry those events, how to test your antenna, and what to do if a race is only on a streaming service. Keep the quick checklists handy and verify broadcast assignments before the event.

Major races like the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are available free over the air through broadcast networks.

ITV holds free-to-air UK rights for key meetings through at least 2030.

The feed formerly known as TVG now appears via FanDuel branded streaming services, not as a standard free broadcast.

Quick answer: can you watch horse racing free to air?

Yes, you can often watch major horse races free to air, but availability depends on the market and the event. Marquee U.S. races like the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are carried on broadcast networks that you can receive over the air through local affiliates, the United Kingdom’s major fixtures appear on ITV under a current rights extension, and the niche live feed formerly known as TVG is now routed through FanDuel TV and streaming services rather than a free broadcast channel; for a quick check, scan your antenna and confirm the local NBC or FOX affiliate before race day. tvg com live racing has moved into pay and streaming territory in most markets, so rely on broadcast networks for no-cost access to the biggest events NBC Sports press release on the Kentucky Derby

Prepare to watch free-to-air races

Check your local over-the-air listings or test your antenna a day before the race to ensure you can receive the NBC or FOX affiliate carrying the event.

Test reception and view challenges

Quick signpost: read the short market summaries below for the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, then use the step-by-step checks to confirm reception where you live.

What free-to-air means for horse racing today

Free-to-air refers to programming you can receive without a subscription, typically via an over-the-air antenna and a local broadcast affiliate or designated digital free channel. These broadcasts come from networks and their local stations, not from pay or app-only streams, and they let viewers watch marquee events without a paid account. When a network holds rights for a race, that network’s local affiliates generally carry the live feed across their over-the-air signal.

Broadcast networks like NBC and FOX secure rights for high profile races and make them widely accessible on free local stations; these rights contrast with specialty feeds or apps, which require subscriptions or separate access. For example, the Kentucky Derby’s national broadcast arrangement ensures that viewers can access the race through NBC affiliates in their area NBC Sports press release on the Kentucky Derby

Typical free-to-air coverage may include pre race shows, in race commentary, and post race analysis on the broadcast channel, but specialty feeds can offer more depth or continuous live racing across multiple tracks and times. Because rights are negotiated event by event, some meetings appear only on subscription or streaming platforms while banner races remain on the broadcasters.

Where tvg com live racing fits: streaming versus broadcast

What happened to TVG and what FanDuel TV means (tvg com live racing)

The channel historically known as TVG rebranded and its live feed migrated into FanDuel TV and the FanDuel+ streaming environment, which changed how viewers access that specific feed. That rebrand shifted a large portion of daily and niche racing coverage into app and subscription oriented services rather than leaving it as a simple free broadcast channel FanDuel Group press release on the TVG rebrand

Because TVG branded daily racing feeds now route through FanDuel branded services, it is usually not a free-to-air option; viewers who relied on TVG in the past should expect to find much of the same content behind a streaming or pay wall. This change explains why you will often need to choose between a broadcast feed for marquee events and a subscription or app for continuous niche coverage.

What channel is horse racing on free to air?

Major horse races are often on free broadcast networks: in the U.S. the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes appear on major networks, in the U.K. ITV carries marquee meetings, and in Australia Racing.com covers many state meetings; tvg com live racing now routes through FanDuel branded streaming services rather than free broadcast.

When you need a no-cost option for a big race, the reliable route is finding which broadcast network holds the rights for that event and then accessing the local affiliate over the air or through a free network stream when available.

How to watch horse racing free-to-air in the United States

If you want the biggest U.S. races without a subscription, check which broadcast network holds the rights first. The Kentucky Derby, for example, is distributed by NBC and appears on local NBC affiliates, which means many viewers can pick it up with an antenna and a standard digital TV scan NBC Sports press release on the Kentucky Derby

The Belmont Stakes is carried by the FOX broadcast network, so you can typically watch that race over the air on a local FOX station when the network schedules it. Confirm which event is on which night and plan to receive that station in your area NYRA announcement on FOX broadcasting the Belmont Stakes

Close up of a TV showing a live horse race with an antenna nearby and a translucent channel guide overlay in a minimalist Funded Plays dark palette tvg com live racing

Practical steps to receive the race over the air: first, position a modest indoor or outdoor antenna near a window facing the local broadcast towers. Second, use your TV or tuner box to run an automatic channel scan. Third, identify the NBC or FOX local affiliate channel number and test the picture and sound at least one day before the event.

Short example workflow: plug in the antenna, run the channel scan, find the affiliate, record or note the channel number, and then watch the network feed on race day. If you cannot receive the affiliate reliably, consider a short local antenna adjustment or moving the antenna outdoors to improve signal strength. See the Funded Plays blog.

Keep in mind that TVG branded daily racing feeds are now part of FanDuel TV or FanDuel+, which are separate streaming offerings; these remain useful for extended coverage but are not a direct substitute for free over-the-air broadcasts of marquee races.

Free-to-air horse racing in the United Kingdom: ITV coverage

In the United Kingdom, ITV is the country’s free-to-air home for many major horse racing fixtures under a rights extension agreed in 2024 that runs through at least 2030. That arrangement keeps large events accessible on ITV channels for viewers in 2026 and beyond ITV press release on the rights extension

Funded Plays Challenges

Test reception and view challenges

Typical ITV coverage includes marquee meetings such as Cheltenham, the Grand National, and Royal Ascot, which are shown across ITV channels and on their free online platforms where available. Viewers in the UK can rely on ITV’s free signals for these headline events and can check the broadcaster schedule for exact times.

If you use the ITV hub or a local TV service, confirm whether the event is on a primary ITV channel or a branded ITV channel, and use the broadcaster guide to set reminders or record the race. ITV’s rights extension means viewers have continued free access to these prominent fixtures without needing a pay subscription for the main broadcast.

Free-to-air options in Australia: Racing.com and local channels

In Australia, Racing.com provides free-to-air coverage of many Victorian and South Australian meetings and also offers digital streaming through its site and apps, making it a primary no-cost option for those state events Racing.com help page

Confirm local free-to-air and streaming access to state racing

Racing.com channel
Local channel guide
Streaming app test

Run checks the day before the meeting

Common channel assignments for Racing.com broadcasts include regional digital channel slots that vary by area, often shown as Channel 68 or Channel 78 in many listings, but you should check your local guide to confirm the specific number for your location. Use the Racing.com help pages and your local TV guide to find the exact channel in your region.

National broadcasters occasionally carry marquee nationwide events, so if you are seeking coverage for a high profile race, verify whether a national free channel is scheduled to carry it. If a national network has rights for a major meeting in a given year, that can provide a wider free over-the-air audience for the event.

How broadcast rights and scheduling affect free-to-air availability

Broadcast rights are negotiated on an event and season basis, and networks can acquire streaming or linear rights depending on the deal, so which races appear free to air can change over time. When a network signs a rights deal, they determine the distribution plan and whether the race will be available on free local stations or on a paid streaming platform.

Because these agreements can shift from year to year, a race that was free on one network in a prior season may move to a different distributor or to a streaming service in the next cycle. For reliable viewing, check current network announcements and the official racing organisation for the race you want to watch, as those sources report confirmed broadcast assignments.

When planning to watch without a subscription, target races that have public broadcast partners for that season; if the event sits behind a specialty stream for the year, you will need an associated account or subscription to view it live.

How to confirm and receive over-the-air horse racing in your area

U.S. viewers can use the FCC’s DTV Reception Maps tool with their address or ZIP code to see which free broadcast channels are receivable at their location and to determine which local stations should appear after an antenna scan FCC DTV Reception Maps

Step-by-step antenna setup and scanning tips: place your antenna as high as practical, point it toward your nearest cluster of broadcast towers, connect it to your TV or tuner, and perform a full channel scan. After the scan, note the channel numbers for NBC and FOX affiliates and preview the signal strength and audio quality well before the event. See the Funded Plays homepage.

Minimalist 2D vector split screen showing a TV schedule layout and a horse racing app interface on a dark Funded Plays style background with clean icons and accent highlights tvg com live racing

Quick pre-race checklist: confirm the network carrying the race, run an antenna scan at least 24 hours ahead, verify picture and sound, and have a backup plan such as a nearby public viewing area or a known streaming access if reception fails. Testing in advance avoids last-minute issues on race day.

Deciding between free-to-air, pay-TV and streaming

When choosing how to watch, weigh cost against the breadth of coverage you want. Free-to-air is cost effective for marquee events that networks hold, while pay-TV and streaming often give deeper or continuous racing across many tracks. Assess which races matter to you and whether they are on broadcast networks in your region.

Subscriptions make sense if you follow daily racing across many meetings or need the niche feeds and extras that specialty services provide. TVG’s content moved into FanDuel branded channels, which provide that niche depth but typically require a streaming access, while marquee races often remain on broadcast networks like NBC or FOX.

Simple decision flow: if the race is on NBC, FOX, or ITV, prefer the over-the-air option; if the race is not on those networks and you need continuous or specialized coverage, consider a streaming or subscription feed for the period you follow.

Common mistakes and pitfalls when seeking free race coverage

A common mistake is relying on outdated channel listings or assuming that a feed you used before remains in the same place. Rights moves and channel rebrands can change how a race is distributed, so always verify current season listings with the network or the official race organiser.

Another frequent error is assuming streaming feeds are free. The channel once known as TVG now operates through FanDuel branded services that are oriented around streaming and app access, which means they are not a guaranteed free alternative for live marquee coverage.

Finally, many viewers do not test reception before race day. Do a full antenna scan and trial viewing a day or two before the event to confirm your setup. If reception is marginal, experiment with antenna placement or use an outdoor option for improved signal.

Practical scenarios and quick checklists for race day

If you are in the U.S. and want the Kentucky Derby

U.S. checklist: confirm the Kentucky Derby is on NBC for the year, run an antenna scan to find your local NBC affiliate, check picture and audio at least a day ahead, and note the channel number or record the feed if your TV supports it NBC Sports press release on the Kentucky Derby

If you are in the UK and want Cheltenham or Royal Ascot

UK checklist: confirm ITV is carrying the meeting for the year, use the ITV schedule or app to set a reminder, and test the ITV channel or platform in advance so you can tune in without a subscription. ITV’s rights extension through 2030 keeps these fixtures on free channels for the foreseeable future ITV press release on the rights extension

If you are in Australia and want state meetings

Australia checklist: confirm Racing.com is scheduled for the Victorian or South Australian meeting you want, find the correct local channel number or test the Racing.com app stream, and check whether any national broadcaster will also carry the event in your state Racing.com help page

Summary: where to find free-to-air horse racing and next steps

Top takeaways: marquee U.S. races like the Kentucky Derby are on NBC and the Belmont Stakes is on FOX, the United Kingdom’s major meetings remain on ITV under a recent rights extension, and Racing.com is a primary free-to-air source for many Australian state meetings NBC Sports press release on the Kentucky Derby

Remember that tvg com live racing content now appears through FanDuel branded services and not as a traditional free broadcast channel, so plan to use broadcast affiliates for marquee, no-cost viewing and reserve streaming or subscription services for continuous niche coverage FanDuel Group press release on the TVG rebrand

Next actions: run an antenna scan, confirm the network for your race on the official race site or network press release, and test reception at least 24 hours before race day so you can watch without interruption. See our blog post.

Is TVG the same as tvg com live racing now?

No, TVG rebranded and much of the former TVG live feed is delivered through FanDuel TV and FanDuel+ as streaming or pay options rather than a free broadcast.

Which U.S. races can I watch over the air without a subscription?

Major U.S. events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are typically carried on NBC and FOX respectively, which you can receive via local over-the-air affiliates.

How can I check which free channels I receive at my address?

In the United States use the FCC’s DTV Reception Maps or run a full antenna channel scan with your TV to see which local broadcast affiliates are receivable.

Free-to-air viewing is still the simplest way to watch the biggest races when networks hold rights, but the distribution landscape includes app and streaming options that may require subscriptions. Use the steps in this guide to confirm reception at your location, and choose the broadcast or streaming option that best matches the races you follow. If you frequently test strategies or care about consistent access to events, consider documenting which races are broadcast in your area each season so you can plan antenna placement and any streaming needs ahead of time.