Channel 4 Set Final Deadline Hopes that racing on Channel 4 will continue to feature next year remain alive following further 'productive' talks today. The broadcaster has now set what it describes as a 'final deadline' of next Wednesday for a sponsorship package to secure the coverage. A statement from Channel 4 said: 'Channel 4 has set a final deadline of next Wednesday to negotiate a sponsorship package that will ensure its horseracing coverage continues beyond the end of 2005. 'This is in view of the productive nature of today´s talks with the Tote and the racecourses.' The broadcaster is threatening to end its 21-year association with the sport, claiming it is losing money through racing coverage. Requests for an £8 million subsidy from racing and betting interests were unanimously rejected. That figure is believed to have come down after Channel 4 extended its original May 31 deadline to allow further meetings to take place. ? PA Sport
