TVG to Air Horse-Racing ‘Oscars’

TVG Network will air the 34th annual Eclipse Awards live Monday, Jan. 24 from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (EST), the network said Wednesday.

The network referred to the ceremony -- which will be held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles -- as the “Oscars” of the horse-racing industry.

The Eclipse Awards are produced by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Actor Jerry O’Connell (Crossing Jordan) will host the Eclipse Awards, which will also feature appearances by Larry King and Merv Griffin.

TVG personalities Todd Schrupp, Frank Lyons and Simon Bray will host the network’s red-carpet coverage, joined by Priscilla Hojiwala and Ken Rudulph.

“Becoming the first network to present the Eclipse Awards live marks a great milestone for TVG,” president Ryan O’Hara said in a prepared statement. “The Eclipse Awards represent the best in horse racing, and we are thrilled to be able to share the festivities with our viewers.”

TVG is owned by Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc.