ITV prepares for 21-race bonanza
PUNTERS at last received some good news as ITV announced a blockbuster 21-race return to the nation’s screens next weekend.
There has been no network coverage of racing since ITV’s cameras covered the behind-closed-doors fixture at Thurles on March 21.
But the sport is back with a bang.The Group One Coronation Cup is among four races from Newmarket on ITV4 next Friday (1.304pm), while the Derby and Oaks trials feature among three heats from Lingfield Park.
Tomorrow week, the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas forms the centrepiece of four races from Newmarket, in addition to three from Newcastle.
And the following afternoon, the 1,000 Guineas features as one of a Fab Four from Newmarket, and a further trio from Haydock Park, including the Brigadier Gerard Stakes.
“It’s a case of famine to feast overnight,” said Ed Chamberlin, who will lead the presentation team from his home ‘studio’.
“It hardly bears saying that, in the grand scheme of things, horseracing is a triviality when one sees the tragedy and hardship endured as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“But sport can play an important role in bringing joy to people’s lives – and right now racing has the landscape to itself.”
Chamberlin will be joined by Francesca Cumani and Jason Weaver – all based at home – with commentator Richard Hoiles in an off-site booth.
Meanwhile, racing took another step towards the ‘green light’ required for its resumption on Monday, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced further easing to the lockdown restrictions yesterday.