ITV Secures Four-Year UK Horseracing Broadcast Deal Through 2030
ITV Secures Long-Term UK Horseracing Broadcast Rights
Exciting news for horse racing enthusiasts as ITV has signed a new agreement to broadcast UK horseracing events through to the end of 2030. This deal guarantees free-to-air access to some of the most prestigious races in Britain, ensuring fans can enjoy live coverage without any subscription barriers.
Details of the New Broadcasting Agreement
The agreement covers a period from 2027 through 2030 and includes coverage for 117 days of live racing action. Broadcasts will be aired across multiple platforms including ITV1, ITV4, STV, and the STV Player, all simultaneously streamed on ITVX. Fans will also benefit from the return of The Opening Show, a dedicated morning program offering insights and previews.
This expanded deal features coverage of major racing events such as the Randox Grand National, Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival, and the Betfred Derby, among others. Additionally, ITV will showcase a selection of five races from the main site and a set minimum number of fixtures on ITV4, broadening the reach of the sport.
ITV Horse Racing’s Growth and Popularity
ITV’s horse racing coverage continues to thrive, marking this period as its most successful yet. The channel has earned multiple accolades including BAFTA awards in 2018 and 2024, while presenters Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani were recognized as broadcast presenters of the year in 2019.
This year alone, ITV Horse Racing has amassed around 15 million streams. The Grand National attracted a peak live audience of 5.2 million viewers, the highest to date. Royal Ascot’s viewership rose by 20% year-over-year, reaching 5 million viewers, while the Cheltenham Festival hit a four-year peak with 1.8 million viewers. The Betfred Derby experienced record viewership for the past two years with 1.3 million tuning in.
Endorsements from ITV Partners and Industry Leaders
The extended broadcasting deal has received widespread praise from ITV’s partners and key figures in the UK horseracing community. ITV’s Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, emphasized that the agreement guarantees free-to-air access to the best racing events in the country.
Notable partners including Racecourse Media Group, The Jockey Club, Arena Racing Company, and Ascot Racecourse have expressed strong support. Nick Mills, CEO of Racecourse Media Group, highlighted the deal’s role in providing exceptional visibility for British horseracing. Jim Mullen, CEO of The Jockey Club, applauded ITV’s commitment and passion for the sport, noting the benefits for the entire racing industry.
Felicity Barnard, CEO of Ascot Racecourse, described the agreement as very positive news, praising ITV’s editorial skills and production quality. David Leyden Dunbar, Director of Commercial Strategy at Arena Racing Company, remarked that this deal solidifies a 14-year collaboration with ITV.
Brant Dunshea, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority, expressed enthusiasm about delivering high-quality racing coverage to a wider audience. He also highlighted the potential for future innovations in broadcast technology and audience engagement, which are key elements in the sport’s industry strategy.
