Exclusive rights for Channel 4

CHANNEL 4 has signed a new commercial rights agreement that will allow it exclusive coverage of the day’s feature cross-channel races when it is on air.

It means today’s bet365 Lancashire Oaks, the totescoop6 Stakes and the Coral-Eclipse Stakes will be aired solely by the terrestrial broadcaster, with access to the digital stations denied.

This exclusivity has been agreed between Channel 4 and the courses concerned as part of its new terrestrial rights deal, but applies only while the digital channels are free to air.

If, as planned, Racing UK becomes a subscription service, it will be able to broadcast all the races from its courses once again.

However, while the digital channels remain on the basic tier of TV platforms, Channel 4 Racing will broadcast a maximum of three exclusive races every Saturday and two exclusive on other days.

David Kerr, head of sport at Channel 4, said: “We are delighted. Audiences for Channel 4 Racing have risen since ATR1 went off air and it’s obvious that this is because C4 has regained some exclusivity on coverage.”