New era ahead in UK race broadcasting

Racing UK’s new-year rebrand as Racing TV is to feature an ‘Extra’ digital stream to ensure full coverage of all its 61 racecourses following the acquisition of all Irish content.

The channel, owned by Racecourse Media Group will relaunch on January 1 and broadcast to its 50,000 British and Irish subscribers and 6000 pubs and clubs.

It was announced 10 months ago that subscription channel Racing UK had secured the rights, previously held by ATR, for all the action from Ireland’s racecourses as well as Chelmsford’s all-weather track in the UK.

“Racing UK has today announced that it will become Racing TV as the channel looks forward to welcoming racing from all 26 Irish racecourses from January 1, 2019,” an RMG statement said.

“From next year, Racing TV will broadcast live racing from 61 racecourses – equating to more than 70 per cent of all racing from Britain and Ireland, including nearly 90 per cent of all Group and Graded races.

“It means that Racing TV will have only one day without any live racing outside of Good Friday and four days at Christmas.”

“Each of the 61 racecourses will have its own dedicated live stream available on Racing TV Extra, a feature of Racing TV’s digital platform.

“This means live coverage of every British and Irish race in its entirety, as well as uninterrupted paddock, going down and unsaddling coverage, will be available to Racing TV members. Racing TV Extra will be available via the website, mobile and TV Apps for all members, whose membership fee will remain the same.”

Satellite channel ATR, about to be rebranded itself under the banner of Sky Racing, recently acquired the rights to meetings at Ascot, Chester and Bangor – as of next year – from Racing UK.