At the Races reduced its operating loss in 2006 as the racing channel moved reached breakeven in the second half of the year. According to finanicials released by Arena Leisure, which has a 47.5% shareholding in the channel, alongside BSkyB (47.5%) and Ascot Racecourse (5%), At the Races increased its turnover by 22.9% to £13.4 million. Consequently, Arena’s share of the channel’s loss reduced by 74% to £300,000 (€444,335). Profits are distributed once annual payments of around £2.5 million have been paid to the racecourse partners.
Unlike its premium rival Racing UK, At the Races is broadcast in the basic packages of Sky Digital and Virgin Media. Sky Digital also broadcasts a side channel behind the red button. Arena’s coverage of around 60% of UK fixtures has been bolstered with coverage of Irish, US and Australian racing.
The At the Races website, operated in partnership with Sky Sports, is the UK’s eighth most popular sports betting website. Page impressions increased by 82% during 2006 to 357 million.
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