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Press Release Archive Press Releases 15 September 2004 Racing UK Announces Availability on Telewest Broadband Racing UK, the dedicated horseracing channel currently available to 7.5 million satellite subscribers, will reach another one million homes from Thursday (16 September 2004) through a deal with digital cable operator Telewest Broadband. Telewest Broadband customers will benefit from a short free-to-air period before they are required to subscribe in October*. After that the cost of the channel will follow the satellite pricing structure of 0 a month (announced 1 September 2004). This can be reduced by paying 00 up front for 12 months subscription. Racing UK Ltd, owned by 30 of the UK's leading race courses, has concluded the deal with Telewest Broadband via a commercial agreement with broadcast partner Setanta Sport, the UK's leading independent operator of pay sports channels. Philip Snalune, director of product management and marketing at Telewest Broadband said: "We are delighted to extend the sports coverage we offer our customers and are confident of the demand for quality horseracing on a dedicated subscription channel." Racing UK Ltd. executive chairman, Simon Bazalgette, said: "We are making life as easy as possible for anyone who wants to be able to see the best racing from the best courses. We have been inundated with requests from cable customers who want to subscribe. Telewest Broadband has been typically quick to recognise the value of such a quality service to its customers. BR Racing UK will be available on channel 537. Press Release Archive Press Releases 13 September 2004 Racing UK in Pursuit of Top American Tracks Racing UK, the dedicated horseracing channel owned by 30 of Britain's top racecourses, has retained media specialist Scott Finley, as its representative in North America to support the development of an evening American racing service to be broadcast on Channel 432. Finley's extensive experience in racing spans two decades, and includes specialist knowledge of the commercial, economic and technological aspects of global simulcasting. He has also served in senior management positions with the American trade newspapers, Daily Racing Form and The Racing Times, and continues to cover major races as a freelance journalist for USA Today. "We are pleased to be adding Scott to the Racing UK team said Chairman, Simon Bazalgette. "He has an impressive track record and his knowledge of the market dynamics in Britain and productive relationships with racecourse executives in the USA will help Racing UK in the development of a superior evening programme which we hope to launch later this year." Finley began his new role with Racing UK on 1 September and initially will be working with the Tote and other UK betting organisations to facilitate the installation of software that enables bets placed by British punters to flow directly into host track pari-mutuel pools in the USA. "I am excited about the opportunity to work with Racing UK to bring the best of American racing onto the channel, " Finley said. "Coverage in Britain has been sporadic since the demise of the old Attheraces, and racecourses in the USA are eager to expand their audience and add new money to their pools. "Racing UK's commitment to feature the highest quality domestic racing in a secure broadcast environment will encourage American tracks to reconsider opportunities for growth in the British market and elsewhere throughout the world." News of Finley's appointment was welcomed by Racecourse Holdings Trust, responsible for 13 of Racing UK's shareholding courses. John Smee, Director of Race Planning said, "The best quality US racing does not currently appear on British TV. RHT and the other Racing UK courses believe that there is a natural alliance with the best US racecourses to bring quality US racing to the UK. Racing UK will be able to provide subscribers with some very exiting betting opportunities as well as top class entertainment." Racing UK, which earlier this month began broadcasting from its new permanent home on Sky Channel 432, last week announced details of a preferred media partnership with the Racing Post, and its own dedicated website in preparation for the launch of its subscription service on 1 October. For further information please contact: Simon Bazalgette, Racing UK - +44 (0) 870 735 9151 Scott Finley, sfinley@tiac.net - +1 781 910 8715 Press Release Archive Press Releases 12 September 2004 Racing UK and Racing Post agree preferred Media Partnership Racing UK and the Racing Post today announced that they have agreed a preferred media partnership between the two companies. The partnership will cover a range of activities to promote Racing UK to the Racing Post readership and the Racing Post to the Racing UK audience. There is a natural synergy between the two companies to enhance the media presentation of horseracing through both print and TV media. The Racing Post will become a core sponsor of Racing UK programmes, and will supply data and editorial material to enhance Racing UK's programming. This will include breaking news, signpost tips and comment on the form of horses, races and events. In addition, the Racinguk.tv website, which has launched this week, was developed by the Racing Post and will be managed by the Racing Post web team. Racing UK will be promoting the subscription launch of their channel through advertising and support promotions in the Racing Post and other Trinity Mirror titles. The total joint value of the media partnership is estimated to be a gross 50, 000 of media value per month. Jeremy Reed, Managing Director of the Racing Post said: The Racing Post is pleased to be supporting Racing UK and their thirty major racecourses. We look forward to developing our commercial relationship for the mutual benefit of both parties. BR Racing UK Executive Chairman, Simon Bazalgette said, "There is natural synergy between racing's own channel and the sport's dedicated newspaper. By combining our skills we believe we can enhance the presentation of horseracing through both print and TV media, in a way that hasn't been seen before. Press Releases 31 August 2004 Racing UK Announces Subscription Rates for Channel 432 Racing UK, the dedicated horseracing channel, has today (Wednesday) begun promoting its new permanent broadcast slot on Channel 432 and announced that the channel will cost a maximum of 0 a month. This can be reduced by paying 00 up front for 12 months subscription and discounts through betting partners are expected. Racing UK Ltd (owned by 30 of the UK's leading race courses) has completed a commercial agreement between Racing UK Ltd. and Setanta Sport, the UK's leading independent operator of pay sports channels. Setanta will broadcast Racing UK on Channel 432 from today (1 September). For September only, Racing UK will continue to be available on its current home, iSport Channel 425, in addition to the new permanent location of Channel 432, to ensure that all viewers become aware of the new home of quality horseracing on TV. Racing UK Ltd. Chairman, Simon Bazalgette said: "The subscription rate recognises the quality of our racing and the betting opportunities it provides. It also allows us to be more focused on quality racing and much less dependent on advertising. Channel 432 now provides a permanent home for a quality racing channel and will prevent piracy of the pictures" Bazalgette confirmed that he is in discussions to aquire broadcast rights for selected international racing to further strengthen the quality of the racing on offer when the channel introduces subscription. Racing UK will also unveil a new look identity when it broadcasts from York today. Press Release Archive Press Releases 27 August 2004 Racing UK announces New Home on Channel 432 Racing UK, the dedicated horseracing channel, has today (Saturday, 28 August) begun promoting its new permanent broadcast slot on Channel 432. The move follows a commercial agreement between Racing UK Ltd. (owned by 30 of the UK's leading race courses) and Setanta Sport, the UK's leading independent operator of pay sports channels. Setanta will broadcast Racing UK on Channel 432 from 1 September onwards. Racing UK Ltd. Chairman, Simon Bazalgette said: "This is the next phase in our development and allows us to promote the channel as widely as possible, knowing we have a permanent platform for our quality racing." Racing UK will announce details of its subscription packages following the re-branding and move to Channel 432 next week. Press Release Archive Press Releases 16 July 2004 Racing UK Channel to Launch in September Racing UK Ltd and Setanta Sports today announced their plans to work together to relaunch 'Racing UK' as a dedicated racing channel in September this year. Racing UK Ltd is the media company formed by 30 leading UK racecourses to enable the racing industry to benefit directly from its own national and international TV rights. Setanta Sports is the UK's leading independent operator of pay sports channels whose portfolio in the UK includes Setanta PPV, NASN, Setanta Sports SPL, Celtic TV, Rangers TV and Setanta Sports Ireland. 'Racing UK' is currently broadcast as a programming block on Sky channel 425 but will move to its own channel number in the sportssection of the Sky electronic programme guide in early September. The channel will remain free to air initially, so that viewers can familiarise themselves with the new service, and will move to a subscription basis in the autumn. By working with Setanta Sports, Racing UK Ltd will enjoy both broadcast expertise and significant cost savings. The benefits of all operating efficiencies will be returned to the racecourses that own Racing UK Ltd, resulting in more profitable operations. The collaboration is expected to develop as both companies explore additional opportunities to enhance their businesses including co-marketing, cross promotion and channel packaging. Simon Bazalgette, Executive Chairman of Racing UK Ltd, said: We are very pleased wenow have a permanent channel position from which to launch our subscription service. This means that we are ahead of schedule and are even more confident of success. The agreement recognises the expertise of both companies, Setanta Sports as a broadcaster and Racing UK Ltd as a content creator and brand. The cost savings give an added fillip to our already robust business plan Press Releases 03 July 2004 Racing UK goes global: Revenues roll in for UK racecourses from sales of TV pictures overseas UK racecourses backing Racing UK are set for a financial windfall, following the successful sale of their TV pictures to a number of major overseas markets. Phumelela Gold Enterprises (PGE), Racing UK's international media rights partner, has announced to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange that it has concluded exclusive agreements for the broadcast of racing from Racing UK's 30 courses to Sri Lanka, the Caribbean, Russia and its adjacent territories. These agreements, together with existing revenue producing operations, meet the guaranteed minimum revenues identified in the May 2004 agreement between Racing UK and PGE. Further international simulcasting agreements are anticipated in the coming weeks. Simon Bazalgette, Executive Chairman of Racing UK, said: "The successful sale of Racing UK's TV pictures in the international market demonstrates the strength of our product, reinforces the channel's long term future and underlines the benefits to courses. The strong broadcast revenues that Racing UK is generating overseas are not flowing out of the sport - they are staying in the sport for reinvestment because our channel is entirely owned by UK courses." Andrew Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Racing UK, said: It is great news that Phumelela have already met the minimum guarantee, because that means that there will be additional upside for Racing UK, so we could achieve break-even even faster than we expected. /A Press Release Archive Press Releases 13 June 2004 Leading courses underline commitment to Racing UK The 30 UK racecourses backing Racing UK today underlined their commitment and long term term support for the channel. Speaking on their behalf, Bill Farnsworth, General Manager of Musselburgh Racecourse, said: "Racing UK is off to a strong start and we look forward to developing the channel, as we build on its success so far. "Racing UK is unique - a horseracing TV channel owned and operated by the sport itself, ensuring that broadcast revenues stay within the sport. We have a consistently high quality and exciting product, the backing of most UK racecourses and guaranteed strong revenue streams." Richard Johnston, Managing Director of Racecourse Holdings Trust, which owns 13 courses, including Aintree, Cheltenham, Epsom and Newmarket, said: "We are very pleased with our production partners Highflyer, who did a magnificent job of launching Racing UK in record time. Our international partners, Phumelela are doing an excellent job in selling British racing internationally. We have full confidence that our decision to grant our international rights to Phumelela for at least 3 years will deliver significant increased value to Racing." Rod Fabricius, General Manager of Goodwood Racecourse, said: "As for discussion of a 59 course solution, we would be delighted to welcome other racecourses to Racing UK - we are the single channel solution, we are here to stay and Racing UK is now becoming established as the broadcast home of British racing. Racing UK is an independent and successful sports TV channel and intends to remain so" For further information contact: Philip Brannan Sportsguide PR, 01344 774322 Press Releases 10 June 2004 European breeders fund backs Racing UK The European Breeders Fund (EBF) today gave its backing to Racing UK, the horseracing TV channel owned and operated by 31 of the country's racecourses, which begun broadcasting on May 29th. The EBF is a major force in European racing, raising revenues for the sport from stallion fees and securing access for European horses to some of the benefits of the Breeders' Cup scheme in the USA. Participating countries in the EBF include Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy. Sam Sheppard, EBF Chief Executive, said: "It makes sense for British racing to control and manage its picture rights through its own TV channel. This keeps revenues within the sport and offers the best way forward for growth and investment. Racing UK has got off to a strong start, has a great schedule of races lined up and we hope that more courses will join the channel." Andrew Brown, Project Director of Racing UK, said: "We are delighted that the European Breeders Fund has followed other groups across the sport in backing Racing UK. The channel has a high quality product and we are very pleased with its progress. We look forward to the future development of Racing UK." Press Releases 26 May 2004 The Horse Racing channel - Racing UK - To Launch on Saturday 29th May The Horse Racing Channel - under the new brand name of 'Racing UK' - will commence coverage from the country's top racecourses on Saturday 29th May at 1.00 p.m. Rishi Persad will present Racing UK's first broadcast live from Kempton Park and the programme will include racing from Doncaster, Musselburgh and Cartmel. Racing UK will provide viewers with high quality British racing all year around. The channel will broadcast about 4, 000 races from UK courses each year and be on air for between 5-8 hours on race days. This summer's highlights on Racing UK include live coverage of the Vodafone Derby meeting from Epsom, the July meeting from Newmarket, Glorious Goodwood, the Tote-Ebor Festival from York and the St Leger Meeting from Doncaster. Racing UK will air on iSports TV, operated by the Digital Interactive Television Group (DITG), broadcast on Sky digital platform channel 425. Racing UK's programmes will be produced by Highflyer, one of the UK's top TV sports production companies. Cartmel racecourse is the latest course to give its support to Racing UK, which now has backing from a clear majority of the country's racecourses. Racing UK is wholly owned and managed by 30 racecourses, including Aintree, Ayr, Cheltenham, Doncaster, Goodwood, Newmarket and Sandown. The 30 racecourses backing Racing UK collectively account for over 55% of total off-course racecourse betting. Andrew Brown, Project Director of Racing UK, said: "Racing UK will bring the best of British racing to TV viewers in the UK and beyond. We are looking forward to going live on Saturday and to establishing Racing UK as the broadcast home of British horseracing." Says Damian Cope, Managing Director of DITG Gaming: "DITG is delighted to help The Horse Racing Channel start broadcasting its own premium product. We know that everyone, especially the punters, will be very pleased to have UK horseracing back on TV after a two-month absence." Press Releases 21 May 2004 The Horse Racing channel - TV pictures to go worldwide The Horse Racing Channel (THRC) will take British racing to more screens worldwide, following an agreement to distribute THRC pictures internationally in partnership with Phumelela Gold Enterprises of South Africa (PGE), and the Horserace Totalisator Board (tote). The three-year deal also gives THRC exclusive access to the best of South African racing, including the Durban July Handicap and the Johannesburg Summer Cup. The addition of these overseas races will complement the racing from UK racecourses, underlining THRC's commitment to broadcast a consistently high quality sporting product. The deal guarantees a minimum payment to THRC, plus the prospect of additional revenues, as PGE exploits the full potential of THRC pictures in new and existing international markets. PGE has achieved outstanding success in taking South African racing to international markets and has pioneered international co-mingling of betting pools. The agreement comes into immediate effect and cements the long term future of THRC, which will begin broadcasting within the next few weeks. Co-mingling between UK and South African pool betting will be promoted under the terms of the deal. Andrew Brown, Project Director of THRC, said: "This agreement with PGE and the tote is the best deal for racing and gives an unstoppable momentum to THRC. We now have a substantial and guaranteed long term revenue stream and high quality racing from overseas to broadcast alongside the best of British racing." Brian Mehl, Chief Executive of Phumelela, said: "We are delighted to be associated with THRC. THRC captures the best of British racing, which we believe has tremendous potential, and we look forward to bringing its TV pictures to as many viewers as possible in all parts of the world." Peter Jones, Chairman of the tote, said: "It makes good sense for the tote to link up with THRC. This deal will bring income to British racing, take it to new markets and open up new business opportunities for the tote." Press Release Archive Press Releases 06 May 2004 Statement from The Horse Racing Channel Responding to questions concerning the launch date of The Horse Racing Channel, a spokesperson for the Channel said today, "The Horse Racing Channel has made real progress having reached a critical mass of 27 racecourses and a good spread of fixtures representing 52% of the racecourse betting turnover. "These figures ensure the viability of the channel and provide the foundation for us to be able to launch the channel sooner rather than later - and an announcement is imminent. Our confidence and commitment to the Channel is as strong as ever and unaffected by developments at SKY." Commenting on the announcement, Sally Iggulden of Beverley racecourse - one of the signatories to THRC - said: "I think people will be surprised at just how quickly THRC intend to bring extensive coverage of British horseracing back to our TV screens. In the aftermath of the termination of Attheraces, THRC offers the best deal for racing - 100% equity and control of the Channel, all net revenues coming back to the sport and racing retaining control of its rights, rather than allowing others to profit from them. "I know that discussions continue between the Channel and other racecourses and I would urge them to come on board. THRC is going to happen and it's going to happen soon." For further information please contact: Contact: Philip Brannan Sportsguide PR, 01344 774322. Press Release Archive Press Releases monebaggasse