Racing UK adds three courses to broadcast portfolio
Racing UK’s portfolio of quality racing is to be strengthened in 2012 with the addition of live coverage from three new venues.
With effect from 1 May the leading dedicated satellite horseracing channel will broadcast all races from Exeter, Kelso and Perth, boosting the number of tracks it represents to 33 and adding coverage of more than 40 fixtures annually to its comprehensive package for subscribers.
Under the six-year agreement pictures from all three courses will be delivered to betting shop customers via TurfTV.
Richard FitzGerald, CEO of Racecourse Media Group, the umbrella organisation for the racecourses holding an interest in Racing UK said, “This landmark agreement significantly strengthens Racing UK’s offer to its domestic and commercial subscribers, particularly during the jumps season.
“The decision of the courses to switch their media rights to Racing UK further endorses the RMG business model and reflects the industry’s confidence in the channel and the integrity of its coverage.”
The agreement consolidates live racing coverage north of the border with RMG now responsible for the management of media rights for all five Scottish courses whose fixtures will be broadcast exclusively by Racing UK.
Perth General Manager Sam Morshead, said, “The natural conclusion of our current contract has provided us with an opportunity to unite the Scottish courses in the one Media Group for the long term benefit of racing in Scotland.
“Racing UK’s commitment to quality racing and its consistently high production values will, we believe, enhance the perception of our product and deliver many commercial advantages.”
Kelso Managing Director Richard Landale said, “The five courses in Scotland have been marketing themselves collectively for a number of years under the banner of Racing In Scotland.
“The ability to cross-promote fixtures with unified television coverage will provide new opportunities for integrated marketing initiatives and sponsorship activity.”
Exeter Racecourse had an existing agreement for media rights with At The Races when Jockey Club Racecourses took over the West Country course in 2007. Simon Bazalgette, Group Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said: “After a competitive process, we have taken the commercial decision to move our media rights for Exeter across to Racing UK, which means that all 14 of our racecourses are now part of RMG. This new agreement for Exeter offers greater returns, as well as supporting our sponsorship agreements and digital activity. Through our reinvestment in the sport, ultimately that’s a better return for British racing.”
