Sky secure Ascot rights in boost for new channel

SKY SPORTS have struck a blow for their credibility as a British horseracing broadcaster by securing the contract to show Ascot meetings starting from March 2019. New channel Sky Sports Racing will replace At The Races at the start of next year and take over Ascot rights from Racing UK in a deal which runs until 2021. Ascot’s addition is vital for Sky, given that At The Races lost the Irish racing contract to Racing UK earlier this year. Chelmsford also joined the Racing UK roster before Chester and Bangor announced they would be transferring to Sky. Ascot’s decision will come as a relief to Sky, because their level of investment makes showing marquee meetings a necessity. Ascot spokeswoman Juliet Slot said: ‘We’re really pleased to be partnering with Sky Sports Racing. We’ve chosen them because of the significant investment and commitment to the sport that they have demonstrated.’ THREE-TIME Grade One winner Finian’s Oscar has died after suffering major organ failure. The Colin Tizzard-trained six-year-old, successful at Aintree for the past two seasons, suffered complications while having treatment for colic.