BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: THE BREEDERS' CUP

SMT finishes strong at Breeders' Cup with GOTO, L-Bar, ISO Track

Thanks to Danny Baker, Coordinating Producer, and Naomi Pridgen, Remote Tech I, for contributing to this report and providing images. Thanks to Video Editor Shaun Bales for the highlight reel

The Breeders’ Cup once again delivered two days of world-class competition with SMT there to power the broadcast every step of the way. This year’s event, held Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Del Mar Racetrack, brought together 177 horses from five continents competing for more than $34 million in prize money. Friday’s races included critical qualifying events that could propel emerging contenders toward next year’s Kentucky Derby, along with special races highlighting California-bred champions.

This year marked NBC’s first time producing the Breeders’ Cup in full 1080p HDR, and SMT’s technology suite was fully on-site to support the enhanced broadcast. Coordinating Producer Danny Baker (GEMLive Operator) led SMT’s coverage, with help from Naomi Pridgen (Betting GOTO support), MaKenna Day (GEMStat Operator), Carter Metzger (ISO Track 2.0 Operator) and Antoine Leath (Main Set GOTO Support/SMT EIC), all ensuring a flawless weekend of racing coverage. Danny also recognized remote support, Ryan Shearer and the Help Desk team, Doug Cherwien, Matt Jones, Craig Choka and Marcus Brown. “Remote support always keeps us honest," he said. "They make the show possible.”

A Decade-Long Partnership in Horse Racing Innovation

SMT’s relationship with the Breeders’ Cup stretches back to at least 2014, but our history in horse racing extends even further. In 2011, SMT began supporting the Triple Crown for NBC Sports Group, a partnership that continues today. NBC has broadcast the Breeders' Cup for the majority of its 40-year history and will remain its home through 2030.

According to Danny, SMT’s involvement has steadily grown since he first joined Breeders’ Cup operations in 2021:

“Initially, we supported live, stat and tape telestrator. Since then, NBC has added a second GOTO, ISO Track, and the illustrious L-Bar. We’ve also added off-air deliverables like the Kornacki betting laptop.”

This year, new and improved enhancements made an immediate impact on-screen:

• Upgraded L-Bar cycling through handicapper picks and displaying course conditions

• Improved HDR workflows, allowing SMT to deliver all graphics natively in 1080p HDR

• Enhanced GOTO betting experience, including real-time handicapper picks

• Expanded ISO Track 2.0 coverage

• Robust GEMStat integrations, powering chyrons, machines, and all SMT devices

Naomi has now worked with GOTO across the Triple Crown races. “The GOTO is so fun for talent that it’s become part of the on-set entertainment. It’s engaging for them and even for audiences gathered around. This was my first Breeders’ Cup, and my third time supporting GOTO. It was a rare opportunity to work with the talent, Steve Kornacki, Matt Bernier and Eddie Olczyk, who all loved the screen’s capabilities and thanked the team for our hard work.”

Steve Kornacki’s involvement in NBC’s horse racing coverage has become a staple of the network’s storytelling, and SMT plays a direct role in powering his on-air analysis.

Kornacki became a breakout fan favorite during the 2021 Kentucky Derby, where he made headlines as the lone NBC analyst to correctly pick the winner, Medina Spirit, at 12-1 odds. His insight and unique style resonated immediately with fans, and NBC brought him along for the rest of the Triple Crown before adding him to the Breeders’ Cup lineup.

Since his Breeders’ Cup debut, Kornacki has relied on SMT’s Betting GOTO and custom SMT-powered betting laptop to break down odds, trends and late money movements in real time.

His “Kornacki Moments” have become highlights of the broadcast, especially when paired with SMT’s live data integrations, full-screen odds graphics and responsive touchscreens.

Live, Fast, and Winged: Inside the Production

The final 45 minutes of Saturday’s NBC-Peacock broadcast were produced with no formal format, requiring quick shifts and real-time problem solving.

Naomi explained, “Live TV doesn’t always go to plan. Our team adapted on the fly, and no one watching at home ever knew the difference.”

One of the weekend’s most memorable unscripted moments came during a Todd Pletcher interview. As the talent used the GOTO to place friendly on-air bets behind the scenes, their mics remained open, broadcasting the unmistakable “cha-ching!” sound effect live over the interview.

“It timed out perfectly since Pletcher had just won millions," Danny shared. "The whole truck cracked up.”

SMT’s products appeared throughout the broadcast, including:

• L-Bar

• Ticker

• Track Map & Running Order

• Betting GOTO

• ISO Track segments after key races

• Chyrons with GEMStat data

• Post parade shells, payouts, odds slabs

• Trainer lower thirds

• Truck telestration with telechips

From early innovations like virtual finish lines and track maps to today’s HDR graphics, L-Bar, touchscreen betting analysis, and ISO Track 2.0, SMT’s evolution at the Breeders’ Cup mirrors the event’s rise into a global spectacle.

“Everyone was incredibly thankful,” Danny said. “We received acknowledgment from the producers, research team, and director.”

Steve Kornacki, in blue, tests his headphones and mic as the set is prepared. 

Fun Facts: The Breeders’ Cup Classic

• The Classic’s Signature Distance: The race is run at the American classic distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. The only exceptions were 2008 and 2009, when Santa Anita used a synthetic surface.

• Debut of a Super Race:
  The Breeders’ Cup debuted in 1984 as a single-day championship before expanding to two days in 2007.

• A Historic Photo Finish: The very first Classic in 1984 remains one of the most dramatic. Wild Again, at 31–1 odds, held off Gate Dancer and Slew O’ Gold in a three-horse stretch duel that still ranks among racing’s most thrilling finishes.

• “Race of the Decade”: In 1989, Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence faced off against Belmont champion Easy Goer. Sunday Silence won by a neck and later earned Horse of the Year honors.

• A Global Championship: The Breeders’ Cup routinely attracts elite Thoroughbreds from around the world, and today offers more than $30 million in purses and awards.

• The Road to the Classic: Many horses qualify through “Win and You’re In” races throughout the year—earning a guaranteed spot in the Championships.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

SMT provided ISO Track on behalf of client Film-45 for the New York City Marathon broadcast. 

SMT helps power another record-setting New York City Marathon

Thanks to Kayla Harris, EPM II; Matt Ballard, Sr. Events Project Manager, and Steven de Haseth, Director, Business Development, for contributing to this report and providing images. Thanks to Video Editor Shaun Bales for the highlight reel

When more than 50,000 runners take over the streets of New York City each fall, SMT is right there lighting up the course, elevating the fan experience and supporting one of the most iconic road races on the planet. SMT has proudly supported the TCS New York City Marathon for many years, growing our presence and deepening our role as the event’s visual display and production partner.

This year, SMT was onsite Oct. 25–Nov. 4, with race day on November 2. Our team supported client New York Road Runners (NYRR) across the city, at the Staten Island start line, at the Javits Expo Center, along the five-borough course, and, of course, at the electric finish line in Central Park.

Growing Our Marathon Footprint

SMT’s involvement with the marathon began with production support for client-provided LED displays. Over time, that partnership expanded: we added production services for Opening Ceremony and Final Finisher, and by 2023 became responsible for all fixed and mobile displays across the Expo, Start, Course and Finish Line.

This year, SMT added another mobile display at the Mastercard location, bringing the total to 11 mobile displays across the course in 2025. While most other services remained consistent with 2024, our footprint continues to scale with the event’s growing scope.

Onsite Leadership

The 2025 marathon was fully supported onsite, with 20 SMT staff members across multiple locations. Key leaders included:

• Kayla Harris – Project Manager / Finish Line Lead

• Chris Gould – Production Lead

• Michael Bidwell – ETS Lead

• Hunter Luhowy – Mobile Displays Lead

• Steven de Haseth – Business Development Director

For the first time, the team faced heavy winds that delayed construction of the photobridge and jumbo board at the finish line. Despite the challenge, SMT crews adapted, adjusted timelines, and delivered both builds on schedule—earning high praise from NYRR.
“SMT handles pressure extremely well in all scenarios,” Kayla said. “This team proved again how well we adapt to delays or unexpected curveballs.”

SMT Deliverables

• Start Line (Staten Island): SMT provided production and audio for three of the four mobile displays directing runners to their corrals.
• Javits Expo Center: The Expo is the first stop for every runner for bib pickup, merchandise, education sessions, and brand activations. SMT built and produced content for three LED walls: 
  Crystal Palace – the primary welcome display
  Running Lab – live coaching sessions and demonstrations
  Citizens Stage – daily panels and presentations
• Finish Line (Central Park)

• Four LED walls

• Two ribbon boards lining the approach to the finish

• The iconic photobridge, featuring congratulatory messages and wave clocks

• The west jumbo, showcasing live race footage, personalized messages and more

• Mobile Displays (Coursewide): We powered production for 9 of the 11 mobile displays deployed throughout the course, providing live feeds, leaderboards and updates for spectators and runners.

Behind the Scenes

Steven de Haseth, Director, Business Development, called this year’s marathon “an absolute success and the smoothest one I have been a part of,” adding that Kayla excelled in her first year as project manager. “She is very organized and a good communicator,” Steven said. “At no point did she give the impression that this was her first time in the role.”

CLIENT KUDOS

Hello, extended SMT team!

Once again, just wanted to send a massive thank you to everyone on this crew for helping to make this another successful marathon season! And after three years, I am running out of ways to say how impressed and thankful I am for everything this crew is able to accomplish each year.

Across the board, I am so appreciative at your diligence and dedication to putting on the best work possible. You don’t just simply show up to fulfill the bare minimum duties - I see everyone going above and beyond, embracing and embodying the ethos of the marathon.

Last year, I shared a quick anecdote about SMT’s impact, and I have another one for this year: Saturday at the Expo, a couple at the Running Lab recognized themselves in our marketing sizzle video. Turns out that he had proposed to her at the finish line, and that moment was featured in the video. They found Matt Ballard and asked if he knew how they could get a copy of the video. Matt quickly emailed me and I was able to get to the Running Lab before they could leave to meet them and share the video. I love that Matt’s instinct was to try and help these folks and look into their request - and I think it’s representative of SMT’s approach.

Hope everyone is getting a chance to rest and reset before moving onto your next project! Thank you again and please feel free to send along any notes or feedback.

Brian Yu
Director of Digital & Experiential Programming, NYRR

MATT'S STORY

"Max and his wife sheepishly peeked behind the wall to find our production area and ask about getting a copy of the video from their proposal the previous year. I asked them to sit tight for a few minutes while I emailed our NYRR contact, Brian Yu, to see if he could help. Thankfully, Brian was available and was able to provide the video while they were still at the Runners Lab. They were thrilled!

One thing Rallis Pappas instilled in us when I started was: “You may only be on site for a week or two, but our clients have been working on this project for at least a year.” It’s our responsibility to treat each event with the same level of thought and consideration they do.

I’ve tried to pass that sentiment along to our younger project managers as they begin their SMT journey. If you see something out of place or not working properly, let your client know. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up. We are all on the same team.

People love the cool products and enhancements SMT can bring to an event or broadcast, but there’s also a human element—a level of care—that truly sets SMT apart."

SMT's NYCM team, left to right: Kayla Harris, Lukas Solomon( back row), John Ossi, Ian Wolverton, Chris Gould, Coby Douglas, Andrew Teterycz (back row), Robert (Bobby) Lookabaugh , Michael (Doc) Bidwell,  Bailey Wagoner and Lacey Koerner.

OPERATOR SPOTLIGHT: NHL OPTICS AND PPT

NHL captures SMT’s in-game workflow

Thanks to Corey Slifkin, NHL Regional Manager, for contributing to this report and providing the video.

NHL Productions recently stopped by to gather B-roll of SMT’s in-game operations, capturing our OPTICS and PPT teams in action. The footage shows our operators doing what they do best—expertly keeping the NHL’s puck- and player-tracking ecosystem running smoothly behind the scenes.

On the right, PPT technician Alex Guccini monitors IRTC (InfraRed Tracker Central), the system responsible for tracking every player and the puck while also keeping tabs on the infrared cameras mounted in each venue’s catwalk. Throughout the game, Alex works closely with SMT’s T1 support team in Jacksonville, the NHL scoring team, and the local off-ice officials to ensure the tracking data is accurate and reliable. He also demonstrates our tag charger, a tool used to reprogram and charge tags collected for fiducial data.

On the left, Kevin Santopadre operates the OPTICS system, checking that his CameraTracker calibrations remain steady and monitoring MatteQT. At 1:07, viewers can spot the use of our new spotlight asset paired with connectors and disks to highlight multiple players on the ice.

The center monitor displays a quad feed from each on-site production truck, along with our Preview output (bottom left) and the CIS screen (bottom right). 

Our PPT and OPTICS operators are the boots on the ground at every NHL game, playing a crucial role in the success of the league’s tracking, graphics, and broadcast enhancements. It’s great to see their work—and the systems they expertly manage—get a little well-deserved recognition.

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Events and Remote Teams

We are staffing 69 events this week. Safe travels to all!

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