Tote rescues Channel 4 racing
The broadcaster had threatened to pull the plug in a multi-million pound funding dispute. But a late one-year deal has been reached with the Tote and racecourses which secures coverage next season.
Channel 4’s racing coverage includes the Cheltenham Festival and key trials for the Epsom Derby.
The news will be welcomed by many racing fans, who feared terrestrial TV coverage of the sport could be greatly reduced. While the BBC boasts the rights to various meetings, such as the Grand National and Royal Ascot, Channel 4 has a wider portfolio.
The Tote will become official sponsors of both Channel 4 Racing and its Morning Line preview programme. The deadline was yesterday and thankfully we signed the deal Peter Jones Chairman Peter Jones told BBC Sport its contribution would amount to about £3m. Under the terms of the agreement, there is an option to renew the deal for 2007.
