The all-encompassing media rights deal takes effect from January 1, 2007, with the tote as official broadcast sponsors and financial contributions from the Levy Board.
Under the terms of the three-year deal, Channel 4 has increased its terrestrial racing coverage – providing a guaranteed 80 days next year which incorporates, for the first time ever, the prestigious Glorious Goodwood meeting (July 31 – August 4). Alongside the regular Saturday programming, (The Morning Line and Channel 4 Racing,) Channel 4 will broadcast midweek festivals from York, Chester, Newmarket and Cheltenham. The programmes will continue to be produced by Highflyer Productions and led by the popular presentation team featuring Alastair Down, John Francome, Jim McGrath, John McCririck and more.
The centrepiece of the deal is a new creative partnership that will jointly develop new services across a number of digital platforms, including broadband, mobile and pay TV. Initiatives include:
_ Grand National and Derby accessible on C4 website
_ Video on Demand services for C4 racing coverage
_ A range of service from bet-to-view, video form clips and video streaming opportunities for broadband and mobile, working alongside Racing UK’s existing new media partner, the Racing Post.
Alongside the arrangements between Racing UK and Channel 4, the tote has sanctioned a three-year sponsorship commitment to live racing on Channel 4 - sponsorship will be reviewed annually. Revenues from such services will be sufficient to allow the tote to move to a commercially sustainable sponsorship basis by 2009. The tote will be contributing £5.5m in total over the course of the three years, and the Levy Board £1.25m over 2007 and 2008.
