The Association of Irish Racecourses is today expected to recommend the acceptance of a new deal that will see live racing in the country move from At the Races to Racing UK.
It follows the 2016 deal between rights holders Satellite Information Services and Horse Racing Ireland’s media rights committee. It holds the rights until 2023.
While At the Races is available free-to-air, Racing UK is a premium channel costing €31 a month. However, unlike At the Races it is available in the HD format.
There has been a negative reaction from the horse racing fraternity that has enjoyed the broadcaster’s exclusive rights.
However, it is not expected that AIR will exercise its theoretical veto.
The loss of the 26 Irish tracks will leave At the Races with 23 UK courses. In contrast Racing UK already has 37 UK courses to broadcast from.
