TV deal decision mystery

RACE clubs around the state have pushed Racing Queensland for a two-week extension to consider broadcast agreement offers which were thrust on them last week, meaning there is still no new deal in place, despite the deadline having passed on Tuesday.

After 12 months of negotiations between Racing Queensland, SKY and other potential broadcast providers, clubs received notification of proposals from Racing Queensland last week, with a 24-hour deadline to sign the enclosed offers.

Not surprisingly, there was a backlash from some clubs and Racing Queensland has since agreed to a July 14 extension in what has become a messy, drawn out saga.

Tabcorp’s media arm SKY remains the likely provider, having earlier agreed to terms on a long-term deal with the Brisbane Racing Club, but there has been no confirmation from Racing Queensland on who the rights provider will be under the new agreement.

With June 30 the expiration date of the previous 10-year agreement, there has presumably been an interim agreement reached to extend the existing deal, with SKY still broadcasting other Queensland meetings last night.

It is understood some clubs, including the Gold Coast, are comfortable with the proposals put to them by Racing Queensland.

Some others are satisfied with the monetary component but have requested more detail around the specifics of the deal, while there are other clubs who feel they have been short-changed in what Racing Queensland has offered.

Ipswich Turf Club chairman Wayne Patch said his club wanted more time to negotiate the specifics of their deal.

Racing Queensland has declined to comment.