ITV is to air horse racing from January 2017 after the broadcaster won the tender process for a new four-year term.
The coverage, previously shown by Channel 4, will include nearly 100 days of racing annually, with the major events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National meeting, Derby Festival, Royal Ascot, British Champions Day, Goodwood, York’s Ebor and the St Leger on main channel ITV1.
“We want our coverage to reach not only its loyal, core audience, but beyond, by capturing the full enjoyment of this most wonderful of sports,” said Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport.
ITV will show at least 34 fixtures on its main channel, as well as 60 on ITV4. It will also air a magazine preview programme broadcast each Saturday morning on ITV4.
“ITV has made a strong and compelling four-year commitment to British horseracing. ITV places itself at the heart of popular culture and we look forward to working closely with the broadcaster in ensuring racing remains in this fantastic shop window,” said Richard FitzGerald, Racecourse Media Group.
“The unprecedented level of interest in the tender shows what an attractive proposition the sport is. We would like to thank Channel 4 for the huge support they have given horse racing over the years, and particularly their investment in coverage over the last three years.
“Channel 4 has been a fantastic partner for British racing and we look forward to continuing to work together in delivering a captivating and enthralling year ahead.”