Jackpot racing commentaries back on Radio Today

Horseracing makes a magnificent return to radio from 1 November thanks to a ground-breaking agreement between Phumelela and 1485 Radio Today.

Starting on Thursday, the racing commentary of every Jackpot Race on the Highveld will be broadcast live on 1485 Radio Today.

On every Highveld raceday, a preview, which will include an overview of the meeting, expected weather and track conditions, times of the Jackpot Races, a brief summary of the Jackpot Races and suggested tips will be played out on air at approximately 8.45am. Thereafter, 1485 Radio Today will cross live to each of the Jackpot Races as the horses start loading.

Between 5.30pm and 6pm on every raceday a Tellytrack reporter will give a review of the race meeting including payouts for the Place Accumulator, Pick 6 and Jackpot.

Racing commentator Alistair Cohen said it’s great news for the industry.

“I remember one of the first lessons I learnt when starting out as a commentator was to imagine a crowd listening on the radio. It’s the commentator’s task to paint a picture for them so that they can actually see the race in their imagination.

“It’s a great challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Dieter Wohlberg, head of media at Phumelela, said: “It’s fantastic for us to partner with 1485 Radio Today, and to have horseracing back on the radio. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to take racing to a previously untapped market. Increasing the visibility of the sport can only be good.”