Night School, the racing industry’s national online fan education program, will look at ways to capitalize on the 15 million Kentucky Derby television viewers in this week’s lesson entitled “Cultivating Newbies.” Week 10 of the 40-week Night School season once again will be a multimedia presentation that features live audio streaming and interactive chat amongst the students.
Special guests will be Mike Gathagan, vice president-communications of the Maryland Jockey Club, which hosts the upcoming Preakness Stakes, and Terry Finley, founder of West Point Thoroughbreds, a leading national ownership syndicate dedicated to developing new interest in the sport. Gathagan and Finley will join Horse Player NOW hosts Jeremy Plonk and Caton Bredar, as well as renowned radio personality Steve Byk. The lesson will feature live-streamed audio among the guest panelists and fans can participate by calling into the show or asking questions directly through the live chat interface that accompanies the Night School program each week.
This week’s study materials include several of Night School’s newbie-centric handicapping and wagering videos, aimed at kick-starting those first-interested in the game. They are linked at: http://horseplayernow.com/images/STUDY050614.pdf.
Presenting title sponsors for Night School 2014 are the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Keeneland Select, Twinspires.com, The Stronach Group, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort, Betamerica.com and Woodbine Entertainment.
Students who wish to attend Night School can do so by logging on to any one of more than 40 websites throughout the racing industry that simulcasts the weekly online tutorials. There is no advance registration or sign-up required. This year’s lessons include live audio streaming of the expert panelists and hosts, making it easier for participants to follow. Fans can participate in a live online chat and pose their questions to the hosts and guests in real time.
Night School also is simulcast with “At the Races with Steve Byk” on SiriusXM. Night School attendees can listen to the free live audio stream directly linked through the Night School chat box (no subscriptions needed). Fan also can take part in the live call-in show at 1-866-454-6848. Those wishing to listen in on the radio can find the program from 8:30-10 p.m. (ET) on Sirius 93, XM 209 or at Sports Zone 961 for Sirius Online users. Check SiriusXM listings for any potential live sporting conflicts.
For those who cannot attend live, the Night School archives always are available free, immediately following the session and beyond. Simply go into the Night School chat box at any of the 40-plus sites and get access to the archived links once the completed session has been re-opened.
Night School is offered every Tuesday for 40 consecutive weeks through Dec. 2. Fans are eligible for prizes and rewards for registering. Registration is optional and free. There is never a charge for taking part in Night School.
This week’s Night School will be followed at 10:00 p.m. (ET) by the “After Night School Special,” featuring live racing from Mountaineer Park. The segment will cover the evening’s final race in real time with free, live-streaming video. Fans wishing to take part in the Mountaineer action simply need to remain in the Night School chat after class. Complimentary past performances are available, courtesy of BRIS, the official past performance provider to Night School.
Later this week, the “Night School Friday Night Live” real-time racing analysis featuring Remington Park also is offered, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET and running the entire program.
Night School Links
Horse Player NOW info page: http://horseplayernow.com/night-school
Week 10 Study Materials: http://horseplayernow.com/images/STUDY050614.pdf
Week 10 BRIS past performances for After Night School Special: http://horseplayernow.com/nightpps
Spring Semester Topics & Program Info: http://tinyurl.com/la7jsnx
Video overview of the 2014 season with Caton Bredar and Jeremy Plonk: http://youtu.be/m5CP4LwmFZY