BBC lose TV racing rights to Channel 4

Channel 4 will show all terrestrial racing – including the Grand National, Royal Ascot and the Epsom Derby – for “at least the next four years” from 2013.

The BBC have shown just 13 days of live racing since 2010 and have now relinquished all of their live televised interest in the sport due to reported budgetary cuts.

Instead, BBC funds will be directed towards retaining events such as the Six Nations rugby union and Formula One, which they now share with Sky.

Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4 sports editor, said: “I am delighted Channel 4’s 28-year association with racing has now arrived at the point where the industry has demonstrated such confidence in our ability to showcase its complete portfolio.”

The deal means British Champions Day at Ascot, the culmination of the season-long British Champions Series, will also feature on Channel 4 for the first time.