Happy New Year as Racing rebranded
RACING UK’s New Year rebrand as Racing TV is to feature an “Extra” stream to ensure full coverage of all its 61 racecourses following the acquisition of all Irish content.
The channel, owned by parent company Racecourse Media Group (RMG), has also snapped up competitor At The Races’ Irish presenter Gary O’Brien for its Irish coverage in time for its relaunch on January 1.
O’Brien will broadcast to its 50,000 British and Irish subscribers and 6,000 pubs and clubs – alongside new high-profile colleague Ruby Walsh – while Kevin O’Ryan, also formerly of ATR, and Donn McClean will be part of the coverage too.
Details were unveiled yesterday, dovetailing with launch events before this weekend’s stellar cards at Newbury and Fairyhouse, explaining plans for Racing TV.
It was announced 10 months ago that subscription channel Racing UK had secured the rights, previously held by ATR, for all the action from Ireland’s racecourses as well as Chelmsford’s all-weather track in the UK.
A statement from RMG read: “Racing UK has today announced that it will become Racing TV – as the channel looks forward to welcoming racing from all 26 Irish racecourses from January 1.
“Racing TV will broadcast live racing from 61 racecourses – equating to more than 70% of all racing from Britain and Ireland, including nearly 90% of all Group and Graded races.
“It means that Racing TV will have only one day without any live racing outside Good Friday and four days at Christmas.”
Plans for the broadcast team were also included, as well as apparent confirmation that selected content will air online.
The release added: “Gary O’Brien will spearhead the Racing TV team in Ireland, where he will be joined by Kevin O’Ryan, Kate Harrington, Ruby Walsh and Donn McClean – while new programming and extended broadcast hours, including a daily Mark Your Card preview programme, are also being introduced.
“Each of the 61 racecourses will have its own dedicated live stream available on Racing TV Extra, a feature of Racing TV’s digital platform.
“This means live coverage of every British and Irish race in its entirety.”