Racing: Media rights close to being settled

The media rights deal between Go Racing and the Racecourse Association is a step closer tonight.

The RCA has issued papers to its members stating that ''good progress'' has been made in the exclusive negotiations and has called an emergency general meeting next Tuesday.

The RCA advised its 59 members in November to sign a 10-year deal with the consortium consisting of Channel 4, BSkyB and Arena Leisure.

Guaranteed payments to racecourses over the 10 years will be £320m, with a further £80m being spent on promotion and marketing.

The RCA has reported to Arena Leisure that it is ''nearing the end of the process'' of agreeing the final contract and that it expects an agreed contract to be sent to the member courses by February 7.

In a statement Arena Leisure said: ''Arena Leisure believes this is a further significant step towards the conclusion of negotiations between UK racing authorities and the Go Racing consortium, of which Arena Leisure is a shareholder, for it to acquire the television and media rights associated with UK horseracing.''