Channel 4 gain monopoly on television coverage Channel 4 will show all UK terrestrial racing, including the Grand National, Royal Ascot and the Epsom Derby, from 2013 in a contract that is due to last for at least four years. The BBC have shown just 13 days of live racing since 2010 and have abandoned live televised racing due to reported budgetary cuts. Instead, BBC funds will be directed towards retaining events such as the Six Nations rugby union and Formula One, which they now share with Sky. Channel 4 can now add what are seen as the "crown jewels of the sport" to their schedule after winning the bidding rights to expand its current portfolio. Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4 sports editor, said: "I am delighted Channel 4's 28-year association with racing has now arrived at the point where the industry has demonstrated such confidence in our ability to showcase its complete portfolio. "This is an opportunity for us to work together to grow the sport, painting the full picture of both the Flat and jumps seasons to attract new viewers whilst rewarding those loyal viewers we value so highly. "Channel 4 fully understands the heritage and cultural importance of British racing, but also the sport's thirst for a bright future, and we relish the challenge ahead." Richard FitzGerald, chief executive of Racecourse Media Group (RMG), who headed Channel 4 racing's negotiating team, added: "Channel 4 has shown a total commitment to our sport. "This new deal will not only deliver increased revenues for British racing, but with all of our sport's crown jewels in its portfolio, Channel 4 offers a compelling vision to innovate the way racing is broadcast. "They have also committed to use diverse programming platforms to promote our sport more widely. This is a great opportunity for racing in the long-term. "The BBC has been a fantastic partner for British racing and helped the sport to grow its attendances and TV audience in recent times. "We look forward to continuing to work together through radio, online and TV news coverage over the next four years until the next TV negotiation period." The deal means British Champions Day at Ascot, the culmination of the season-long British Champions Series, will also feature on Channel 4 for the first time. Charles Barnett, chief executive of Ascot, said: "This is a tremendous announcement for racing. "The sport is in a great place at the moment and the editorial appeal and popularity of both codes has been apparent through what has been a competitive tender process. "A one channel scenario will enable us to tell our stories clearly and consistently, and obviously Royal Ascot is fundamental to that. "I would personally like to thank BBC Television for everything they have done for racing and we look forward to continuing to work with their other platforms." The BBC said it was "disappointed" to lose the televised rights, but still looked forward to its coverage in what is Diamond Jubilee year for the Queen. A statement from the BBC read: "The BBC are proud of their long heritage of broadcasting horse racing and did put in as competitive a bid as possible in the current climate. "We are of course disappointed that we have lost the rights, but we are pleased that all the races in the contract remain free to air. "We of course still look forward to broadcasting the Grand National next month and then of course the Derby and Royal Ascot which have special significance in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year." BBC racing anchor Clare Balding has said she will not be "rushing into any decisions" after the corporation relinquished all of their live televised interest in the sport. Balding has, in recent years, become synonymous with BBC racing but has already been linked with a possible transfer to Channel 4 when the broadcaster assumes televised autonomy of the sport. Although disappointed by the news, Balding, who works for the BBC in a freelance capacity, said on Twitter she would not be making any hasty decisions. She said: "Desperately sad that BBC TV has lost all rights to cover horse racing. "I've worked with some wonderful & talented folk over the last 16 yrs. "I am immensely proud of everything we have done on BBC TV & of the team I have worked with at BBC Sport. I've given it my life & soul. "I'm not rushing into any decisions about what I will do in the future. 2012 is a busy enough year to keep me on my toes & then we'll see."
