Seven set to snap up Racing Victoria rights

Australian commercial broadcaster Seven is set to acquire rights for horseracing events staged by Racing Victoria, according to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

The report said that the agreement only requires the final approval of key race clubs in the state.

Racing Victoria said on Saturday that its preferred partner would be Seven following the demise of previous rights-holder, pay-television broadcaster TVN, in March.

The deal would cover free-to-air and digital rights, Racing Victoria said.

“It is Racing Victoria's view that, in addition to the proposed Seven West Media deal, vision of Victorian thoroughbred racing should continue to be broadcast through the Tabcorp Holdings-owned [pay-television broadcaster] Sky Racing distribution network including its domestic, international and digital platforms,” the racing body said.

“Accordingly, Racing Victoria has advised each of the Melbourne Racing Club, the Victoria Racing Club, the Moonee Valley Racing Club and Country Racing Victoria of this resolution and has asked each to separately and independently consider its position on its media rights as soon as possible.”