Attheraces to stop British racing coverage
The £307 million deal will terminate at midnight on Monday and, although the channel has been trying to agree new deals with the tracks, officials do not think a new contract will be sorted out in time.
A statement from attheraces said: “Although discussions are still ongoing with all parties, attheraces believes there is little chance of achieving a successful outcome before Monday’s deadline.
The statement continued: “In this event, attheraces hopes to continue with its evening broadcast of the popular US racing programme, albeit a cut-down version. Attheraces intends to remain in negotiations with all parties to try and secure a new agreement even if the broadcast of UK racing ceases.
“Attheraces also intends to continue to operate its betting business, which has grown rapidly over the last year and recently achieved record turnover during the three days of the Cheltenham Festival.”
“All account holders with Bet attheraces will continue to be able to bet as normal on the phone and via the internet after March 29 and will be unaffected by the protracted media rights negotiations. All customer account balances are protected.”
The 10-year deal, which was signed by Attheraces in June 2001, is ending after a get-out clause was triggered following a fall in the overall gross-profit margin by the Tote.
