If you’re staring at your remote right now wondering what channel is horse racing on today, you aren't alone. It’s a bit of a maze. One minute you’re on a major network, the next you’re digging through the high-numbered sports tiers or looking for a streaming app that actually works. Honestly, it’s kinda frustrating how the "Sport of Kings" is scattered across the dial like confetti.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the short answer for most viewers in the United States is FS1 (Fox Sports 1). Specifically, the "America's Day at the Races" broadcast is scheduled to run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. This show is basically the gold standard for daily coverage, focusing heavily on the action at Aqueduct and often dipping into Tampa Bay Downs.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. If you want the full picture, you’ve got to look at FanDuel TV and the international feeds.
Where to Find the Big Races This Afternoon
Fox Sports has really doubled down on racing. While FS1 is the main home today, you’ll sometimes see the coverage shift to FS2 if there’s a big NASCAR race or a college hoops game running long. For today, though, FS1 is the primary destination.
The FanDuel TV Factor
If you aren't watching Fox, you're likely on FanDuel TV (formerly TVG). They basically never stop. While the Fox crew focuses on specific NYRA (New York Racing Association) tracks, FanDuel TV is your "all-access" pass. They cover the winter meets at Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita, and Fair Grounds.
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They don't just show one race and leave. It’s wall-to-wall. You get the paddock walks, the expert analysis from guys like Todd Schrupp, and that frantic energy of jumping from a maiden special weight in Florida to a stakes race in California in three minutes flat.
What’s Happening at the Tracks Today?
It’s a busy Sunday. We're right in the heart of the winter circuit.
- Aqueduct: Expect some gritty dirt racing from New York. It’s cold, it’s often muddy, and the "America's Day at the Races" crew will be all over it.
- Gulfstream Park: This is where the sunshine is. The turf racing at Gulfstream is world-class this time of year.
- Santa Anita: The "Great Race Place" usually gets going later in the afternoon for East Coast viewers.
- Sunland Park: Keep an eye out for the $100,000 Riley Allison Derby today. It’s an important local prep and usually finds its way onto the FanDuel TV broadcast.
International Viewers: ITV and Beyond
If you’re tuning in from the UK or Ireland, your "what channel is horse racing on today" answer is different. ITV is carrying a big Sunday program today. They are covering nine live races from Windsor, Fakenham, and Thurles.
The highlight for many will be the Grade 2 action at Thurles, including the Mares Novice Chase and the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase. Willie Mullins, as usual, has a strong hand there with the veteran Appreciate It looking to repeat his success from last year. It’s a different vibe than the American dirt tracks—lots of green grass, heavy jumps, and tactical staying races.
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Why the Schedule is So Confusing
You might wonder why you can't just find one "Horse Racing Channel" and be done with it. It comes down to media rights. NYRA has a massive deal with Fox Sports. Churchill Downs Incorporated (which owns TwinSpires) has its own ecosystem. FanDuel has its own massive network.
Then you have RTN (Racetrack Television Network). This is the "hardcore" option. It isn't a traditional channel you'll find on basic cable. It’s a subscription service that provides every single feed from every track. If you’re a serious bettor, you probably already have this. If you’re a casual fan, it’s probably overkill.
How to Stream if You Don't Have Cable
You don't need a bulky cable box to keep up. Most of the channels mentioned have digital workarounds:
- Fox Sports App: If you have a login (or a friend's), you can stream the FS1 coverage live.
- FanDuel TV+: They have a dedicated app for Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
- NYRA Bets: If you have a betting account with them, you can often watch the live feeds of their races directly in the app for free.
- Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV: Both carry FS1 and often FS2.
Practical Steps for Today's Races
If you’re planning to spend the afternoon with the ponies, here is a quick roadmap to make sure you don't miss the best parts.
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First, check your local listings for FS1 starting at 2:00 p.m. ET. That’s your baseline for high-quality production and the main New York races.
Second, if you have a second screen (like a tablet or phone), pull up the FanDuel TV feed. This ensures you see the races at Gulfstream and Santa Anita that Fox might skip.
Third, if you're looking for value, keep an eye on the Riley Allison Derby at Sunland Park. These early-year derbies are often where you find "hidden" horses that end up making a splash in the Kentucky Derby preps later in March and April.
Finally, remember that post times are approximate. If a horse acts up at the gate or there’s a late equipment change, things can slide by 5 or 10 minutes. Stay flexible and enjoy the ride.