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Racing TV
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Racing TV (formerly Racing UK) is a British television channel with 34 racecourses as shareholders and fixtures from 61 racecourses broadcast live on its output.

Key Information

Racing TV is one of the two major UK horse racing television channels, the other being Sky Sports Racing. The station is dedicated to horse racing broadcasting over 70% of all live racing from Britain and Ireland, including nearly 90% of all Group and Graded races.[2]

History

[edit]

Known as The Horse Racing Channel before launch,[3][4][5] Racing UK soft-launched on 29 May 2004 on the Sky Digital channel iSports TV.[6] Two months later on 16 July, the network entered into a partnership with Irish sports broadcaster Setanta Sports to officially launch the network in September, where Setanta would be the channel's broadcast partner and distributor.[7][8] The channel officially launched on Sky Channel 432 on 1 September and remained on Channel 425 until the end of the month when the channel would become encrypted.[9] Racing UK was added to Telewest's Active Digital service on 15 September[10] and later launched an online service.[11] The channel launched on the NTL: Home digital cable platform in February 2005.[12][13]

As Racing UK grew several other business units and joint ventures were developed under the ownership of the parent company Racecourse Media Group Ltd.[14]

On 3 March 2006, the channel announced the launch of Racing World, a sister network formed as a joint-venture with the American-based Magna Entertainment Corp. and Churchill Downs Incorporated and would broadcast Horse Races from both companies. The channel launched on Sky Digital on 8 March 2006.[15] On August 17, the broadcaster entered into an expanded partnership with Setanta by merging it's standalone subscription package of Racing UK and Racing World with Setanta's, allowing Setanta customers access to the channel and Racing World and Racing UK/Racing World subscribers access to Setanta's networks on all platforms.[16]

In May 2008, Racing UK announced the axing of Racing World due to poor viewing figures. It's EPG slot on Sky was given to Setanta Sports, still under the Racing World name.[17][18]

On 23 June 2009, following financial difficulties and collapse into administration in the United Kingdom, Setanta Sports shuttered all their television networks.[19] Racing UK announced the following day that they would take over operations of the network on their own and would broadcast free-to-air for the summer.[20] The network resumed it's subscription package on August 16, and soon became encrypted on Virgin Media as well.[21]

On 17 December 2018, Racing UK was rebranded as Racing TV on air in anticipation of the first live broadcast of racing from Ireland on 1 January 2019. At the same time, Racing TV began promoting its new Racing TV Extra service which provides viewers with dedicated feeds from each racecourse fixture via Streaming and OTT TV platforms(SD only for Virgin Media Ireland customers).[22]

Racecourse Media Group

[edit]

Racecourse Media Group Ltd (RMG) is the umbrella organisation for the 34 Racecourses, which holds their interest in Racing TV, Racecourse Retail Business,[23] Racing TVi and RDC. The racecourses (and shareholders) are: Aintree, Ayr, Beverley, Carlisle, Cartmel, Catterick Bridge, Cheltenham, Chelmsford, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Fakenham, Goodwood, Hamilton Park, Haydock Park, Huntingdon, Kelso, Kempton Park, Leicester, Ludlow, Market Rasen, Musselburgh, Newbury, Newmarket, Nottingham, Perth, Pontefract, Redcar, Salisbury, Sandown Park, Stratford, Taunton, Thirsk, Warwick, Wetherby, Wincanton and York.[24]

Contracted courses

[edit]

The list of the racecourses that are contracted to Racing TV are:

Programming

[edit]

The channel starts broadcasting before live racing every day. In the mornings Racing Replay and/or Irish Racing Replay is shown until one of Mark Your Card, Full SP or Luck on Sunday are broadcast, live racing from the UK and Ireland typically follows in the afternoon and evening.[25] The programmes have been produced in High-definition at Ealing Studios since 2012 and on location from the 61 racecourses. In late 2023 the production moved to Ealing Broadcast Centre[26] Racing UK was the first dedicated horse racing channel to broadcast racing in HD when it launched its new service on 14 March 2016.[27]

  • Live Racing
  • Racing Replay
  • Irish Racing Replay
  • Mark Your Card
  • This Racing Life
  • Luck On Sunday
  • The Road to Cheltenham
  • The Friday Club
  • The Full SP
  • My Racing Life

Presenters

[edit]
  • Angus McNae – Studio presenter and on-course reporter
  • Nick Lightfoot – Studio presenter and on-course reporter
  • Nick Luck – Studio presenter and on-course reporter. Also worked for Channel 4 Racing
  • Lydia Hislop – Studio presenter and on-course reporter. Also worked for BBC Sport
  • Rishi Persad – Studio presenter and on-course reporter. Also works for BBC Sport and ITV Racing
  • Ruby Walsh – Occasional studio work and on-course reporter. (former jockey). Also works for ITV Racing
  • Tom Stanley – Studio presenter and on-course reporter.
  • Gary O'Brien - On-course reporter.
  • Kevin O'Ryan - On-course reporter.
  • Fran Berry – On-course reporter (former jockey).
  • Niall Hannity – Studio presenter and on-course reporter (former jockey).
  • Rachel Casey – Studio presenter and on-course reporter.
  • Gordon Brown – On-course reporter.
  • Martin Dwyer – Occasional studio work and on-course reporter (jockey).
  • George Baker (jockey) - Occasional studio work and on-course reporter (former jockey).
  • Sam Turner - On-course reporter and tipster.
  • Dave Nevison - On-course reporter and tipster.
  • Chris Dixon - On-course reporter.
  • Martin Dixon - On-course reporter.
  • Mark Howard - On-course reporter.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Racing TV

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from Grokipedia
Racing TV is a British subscription-based channel dedicated to live events, along with related , analysis, interviews, and replays. It is owned and operated by the Racecourse Media Group (RMG), an organization fully owned by 37 British racecourses, including major venues such as , , Epsom Downs, Newmarket, Sandown Park, and . Launched on 29 May 2004 as Racing UK by an initial of 30 leading racecourses seeking greater control over their media rights, the channel has grown to cover fixtures from 61 racecourses, encompassing 35 in Britain and all 26 in Ireland. In January 2019, Racing UK rebranded to Racing TV to better reflect its expanded coverage of Irish racing, which began with a new broadcasting agreement effective from 1 January 2019, marking a significant milestone in its development as the premier dedicated horse racing channel in the UK and Ireland. The channel broadcasts over 800 live race meetings annually, focusing on both Flat and National Hunt racing, and is available on platforms including Sky (channel 424), Virgin Media (channels 536 and 411), and various streaming apps for devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV. Racing TV serves approximately 60,000 residential subscribers and over 10,000 pubs and clubs across the and , with additional access for select major events reaching around 12 million homes. All profits generated by the channel are returned to its racecourse shareholders through RMG, supporting the sport's infrastructure and development. Beyond live racing, the channel offers on-demand replays, expert tips, racecards, betting guides, and original programming such as documentaries and syndicate ownership opportunities, enhancing engagement for enthusiasts.

History

Origins and Launch

Racing UK was formed in by a of 30 leading British racecourses seeking to establish a dedicated subscription-based for , managed by the Racecourse Media Group. The initiative arose in the wake of the collapse of the previous dedicated racing channel, At The Races, earlier that year, creating an opportunity to provide comprehensive live coverage of racing that had been lacking on platforms beyond Channel 4's limited terrestrial broadcasts. The channel soft-launched on 29 May 2004 via Sky Digital, initially broadcasting on a temporary slot. In July 2004, Racing UK announced a distribution partnership with , which facilitated a more stable platform and enabled the channel's official full launch on 1 September 2004 as channel 432 on Sky Digital. From inception, it operated on a subscription model priced at £20 per month, available exclusively on the platform, with programming centered on live action from its 30 contracted racecourses to supplement international races during off periods. Early operations faced distribution hurdles, notably the 2009 collapse of , which had bundled Racing UK into its sports package since and prompted a temporary shift on before reverting to independent subscription status later that year. This transition stabilized the channel as a standalone entity, allowing it to focus solely on content without broader sports dependencies.

Rebranding and Expansion

In December 2018, Racecourse Media Group announced the rebranding of its subscription channel Racing UK to Racing TV, with the change implemented on air on 17 December to modernize the brand and enhance its appeal to a wider by better reflecting the forthcoming integration of British and Irish racing content. The rebrand aimed to position the channel as a comprehensive destination for enthusiasts, moving away from its UK-centric identity to emphasize cross-border coverage and improved marketing. The coincided with a significant expansion through a five-year partnership with Horse Racing Ireland, effective 1 2019, which added live broadcasts from all 26 Irish racecourses previously covered by rival channel At The Races. This deal increased Racing TV's total coverage to 61 racecourses, encompassing over 70% of all fixtures in Britain and and enabling near-comprehensive access to major events. To support this growth, the channel introduced Racing TV Extra in early 2019, a streaming service providing dedicated live feeds from individual racecourses for multi-angle viewing, along with on-demand replays accessible via website, mobile apps, and TV platforms at no additional cost to subscribers. By 2020, Racing TV had solidified its expansion with 34 British racecourse shareholders contributing to its ownership and content pool, while maintaining contracts with the full 61 tracks across the and . This structure allowed the channel to broadcast nearly 90% of all Group and Graded races in Britain and , covering approximately 1,150 meetings annually and establishing it as the leading premium broadcaster. A key precursor to this phase was the channel's upgrade to high-definition broadcasting in , which improved production quality and viewer experience ahead of the rebrand.

Recent Developments

In late 2023, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), the owner of Racing TV, relocated its production facilities from to the Broadcast Centre to improve operational efficiency and achieve cost savings through consolidated infrastructure. This move supported the introduction of advanced , enabling enhanced live coverage integration from multiple racecourses. In 2024, Racing TV formed a with RaceShare to launch exclusive fan ownership syndicates, allowing members to participate in racehorse ownership at no additional cost and boosting viewer engagement through shared experiences. This initiative included the acquisition of horses such as Lir Speciale in its inaugural year, followed by The Lost Sock in 2025, a £50,000 breeze-up purchase trained by , which secured a victory at Catterick in August 2025. The syndicates have provided members with direct involvement in racing, including stable visits and race-day access, fostering greater audience loyalty. Racing TV has expanded its digital offerings, with enhanced streaming capabilities available to subscribers via its and , supporting live and on-demand access for international viewers in permitted regions. Integration with betting platforms is facilitated through embedded Timeform ratings and tips within the app, aiding real-time wagering during broadcasts. As of 2025, no major ownership changes have occurred at Racing TV, though RMG continues negotiations for extensions to its broadcasting rights amid competitive pressures from ITV's new four-year free-to-air deal for major races from 2027 to 2030. The channel maintains comprehensive coverage of all 61 British and Irish racecourses without any reported losses of fixtures. Viewer engagement has grown through initiatives, including nominations of horses to follow for the 2025 Flat season, such as Almaqam and Sandtrap, which generated significant online interaction and anticipation.

Ownership and Governance

Racecourse Media Group

The Racecourse Media Group (RMG) was established in 2004 as a among British racecourses to oversee the commercial and broadcasting operations of what was then known as Racing UK, now rebranded as Racing TV. This formation allowed participating racecourses to collectively manage media rights and revenue streams, creating a unified platform for coverage that has since grown to include 37 shareholder racecourses. As a , RMG operates with a board comprising representatives from its major racecourse shareholders and maintains a structure free of external investors as of 2025. Its primary responsibilities include negotiating media rights agreements on behalf of the racecourses, managing subscription services for the channel, and distributing revenue generated from these activities back to the shareholder racecourses. This model ensures equitable sharing of broadcasting income, supporting the financial sustainability of the participating venues. One of RMG's key achievements is its revenue sharing framework, which has returned over £100 million cumulatively to racecourses since its inception, providing essential funding for racing infrastructure and operations. Distinct from the direct operations of the Racing TV channel, which handles on-air broadcasting and production, RMG focuses exclusively on backend , including rights management and financial distribution, thereby separating commercial from content delivery.

Shareholders and Structure

Racing TV is operated by the Racecourse Media Group (RMG), a that is 100% owned by 37 British racecourse shareholders as of 2025. These shareholders collectively control the commercialisation of their media and , ensuring that all operating profits are returned to the racecourses in the form of licence fees. There is no single majority owner, with equity distributed among the participating racecourses to promote . The shareholder racecourses encompass major venues renowned for their high-profile events, including (home of the Grand National), Ascot (host of Royal Ascot), (site of the ), Epsom Downs (venue for the ), and (known for the Ebor Festival). Other key shareholders include , Goodwood, Newmarket, Sandown Park, and Lingfield Park, representing a mix of historic and prominent tracks across the . The full list of 37 shareholders comprises tracks owned by groups such as The (e.g., , , Epsom Downs), Arena Racing Company (e.g., , Windsor), and independent operators (e.g., Ascot, ), along with smaller venues like , Carlisle, and . RMG's structure originated with the launch of Racing UK in 2004, initially involving 30 leading racecourses seeking greater control over their broadcasting rights. The number of shareholders grew to 34 by , reflecting expansions that incorporated additional tracks and extended rights management to all 26 Irish racecourses, though equity remains with British venues; it has since increased to 37. This growth has enabled RMG to negotiate broader media deals, benefiting all participants through pooled resources. Governance is managed through annual general meetings of the shareholders, where key decisions on agreements and operations are made, with RMG's board overseeing day-to-day execution. In 2024, RMG distributed £113 million in payments to its shareholders, derived primarily from subscriptions, advertising, and streams, which supports racecourse maintenance, contributions, and infrastructure improvements. These funds underscore the model's focus on reinvesting media revenues directly into the racing ecosystem.

Broadcast Coverage

Contracted Racecourses

Racing TV maintains exclusive live broadcasting rights for 61 racecourses across the and , enabling comprehensive coverage of British and Irish . These venues are categorized into 35 racecourses, which are equity owners through the Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and 26 additional contracted racecourses, encompassing all Irish tracks. Select non- venues such as and Ascot provide limited coverage on certain fixtures like British Champions Day. The shareholder racecourses form the core of Racing TV's UK portfolio and include major flat and jumps venues like Newmarket, Goodwood, and York. This group expanded from 27 founding tracks at Racing UK's launch in 2004 to 35 as of 2025, reflecting strategic consolidations in media rights management, including the addition of Racecourse in 2023. The complete list of RMG shareholder racecourses is: The 26 additional contracted racecourses include the entirety of Ireland's racecourses, integrated into Racing TV's schedule starting in 2019 to broaden cross-border coverage. This addition marked a significant , growing the total from approximately 35 UK-focused venues to 61 by 2020. The Irish venues prioritize both flat and and are: Together, these racecourses enable Racing TV to broadcast over 8,000 live races annually, representing more than 70% of all British and Irish fixtures and nearly 90% of premium Group and Graded events, while excluding high-profile terrestrial broadcasts on ITV such as the . This extensive portfolio underscores Racing TV's dominance in dedicated media, with a focus on both flat and jumps disciplines across seasons.

Rights and Agreements

Racing TV's are managed through the Racecourse Media Group (RMG), which negotiates collective media rights agreements on behalf of its member racecourses, typically spanning five-year terms. In , RMG secured renewals for audio-visual and data rights at 33 British racecourses, extending coverage through 2029 and ensuring live broadcasts of over 3,500 meetings annually. For Irish racing, RMG acquired exclusive rights to all 26 racecourses starting in 2019, marking a significant expansion that prompted the rebranding from Racing UK to Racing TV. The channel's revenue model primarily relies on subscriber fees, supplemented by sales and partnerships with betting operators, with RMG distributing annual rights payments to racecourses from these streams. In 2024, RMG generated £113 million in media and data rights revenue, which was paid out to its member tracks, reflecting contributions from subscription services, bookmaker streams, and betting shop viewings. during live broadcasts and betting integrations, such as sponsored segments, further bolster income, though subscriptions remain the core driver for premium content access. Key agreements include exclusive rights for non-ITV races, allowing Racing TV to air comprehensive coverage of mid-tier and regional meetings not selected for broadcast. In , ITV agreed a new four-year deal to broadcast British racing until the end of 2030. In , Racing TV launched a promotional collaboration with RaceShare, enabling subscribers to join a no-cost racehorse ownership for the horse Lir Speciale, aimed at enhancing fan engagement through shared ownership experiences. These deals complement broader RMG partnerships, such as the extension with HBA Media for international content distribution. Racing TV faces challenges from competition with broadcasters, particularly ITV's extended deal through 2030 for premium events like the and , which limits the channel's access to high-profile races and pressures subscription retention. This dynamic underscores the tension between pay-TV exclusivity and broader audience reach via terrestrial coverage. Internationally, Racing TV holds limited rights for overseas broadcasts, primarily distributed in through streaming partnerships facilitated by RMG and HBA Media, with a global subscription option available for live and on-demand content. These arrangements focus on key markets to expand viewership beyond the and without extensive territorial expansions.

Programming and Production

Live Racing Broadcasts

Racing TV provides extensive daily live coverage of horse racing events from Britain and , typically spanning up to 8-10 hours on racing days, with broadcasts commencing in the afternoons and extending into the evenings to capture multiple meetings simultaneously. This schedule accommodates the variable timing of races across various tracks, ensuring viewers receive comprehensive access to key fixtures without significant gaps in programming. Through its digital platform, Racing TV Extra enables subscribers to access dedicated streams from multiple racecourses, offering options for tracking simultaneous events. The broadcast format emphasizes a seamless viewer experience, beginning with pre-race analysis that includes expert previews of runners, track conditions, and betting insights, followed by full live coverage from the mounting yard through to the finish line. Post-race segments feature immediate interviews with winning connections, such as jockeys and trainers, to provide on performances and future prospects. This structure highlights the channel's focus on both jumps , prominent during the winter season with its emphasis on stamina and obstacles, and flat in the summer, prioritizing speed over shorter distances. Racing TV transmits over 70% of all and Irish fixtures live, encompassing 88% of Group and Graded races, and provides full live coverage of major events like the Grand National alongside ITV's broadcasts. This selective volume ensures priority on premium content while complementing terrestrial broadcasters. The channel's live broadcasting evolved significantly from its inception as Racing UK in 2004, when it operated as a single-channel subscription service focused primarily on British races. By the 2019 rebranding to Racing TV, it expanded to include full Irish coverage, upgraded to high-definition transmission, and introduced multi-feed capabilities via Racing TV Extra for enhanced simultaneous viewing. A hallmark of Racing TV's live output is the absence of commercial breaks during races themselves, maintaining uninterrupted immersion from the start to the finish, with advertisements confined to intervals between events. This policy, supported by dedicated racecourse streams, underscores the channel's commitment to delivering pure content to subscribers.

Supplementary Shows

Racing TV's supplementary programming complements its live broadcasts with a range of studio-based previews, reviews, and discussion shows designed to provide deeper insights into upcoming races and recent events. offerings include Mark Your Card, a daily weekday preview program that analyzes the day's schedule and delivers live updates from racecourses, typically airing before morning live slots to guide viewers on key contenders and betting angles. On weekends, The Full S.P. serves a similar role, offering extended previews with expert analysis ahead of major meetings. Rounding out the core lineup is Luck on Sunday, a weekly Sunday staple hosted in studio, featuring in-depth interviews with trainers, jockeys, and industry figures to recap the week's highlights and preview jumps-focused storylines. The channel also produces themed series that explore the human and equine elements of racing. The Meet The Trainer series profiles prominent trainers through on-site visits and career retrospectives, such as episodes on Joseph O'Brien highlighting his successes and stable operations. Horse ownership narratives are covered in documentary-style segments, including stories of syndicates like the group behind a breakthrough winner, emphasizing the financial and emotional journeys of amateur investors in the sport. Seasonal recaps form another pillar, with programs like the 2025 Flat season preview where pundits nominate horses to follow, such as Almaqam and Candleford, based on early form and potential targets. These shows air as daily fillers between live racing blocks and weekend specials, all produced in-house at Racing TV's studios to ensure seamless integration with core coverage. Unique interactive elements enhance engagement, such as viewer voting in segments tied to annual awards like the 2024 Lesters, where audiences select standout moments to influence on-air discussions. Post-2019, following the channel's from Racing UK and expansion to include all 26 Irish racecourses, supplementary content evolved from basic race replays to more dynamic, engagement-focused formats, incorporating on-demand access and broader to attract a wider while maintaining high production standards. This shift emphasized cross-border narratives, with shows now routinely blending British and Irish perspectives for comprehensive previews and reviews.

Technical Production

Racing TV's production facilities have evolved to support centralized high-definition broadcasting, with operations historically based at Ealing Studios in West London since 2012, where a dedicated studio complex was designed by Timeline Television for Racecourse Media Group (RMG). In 2021, a virtual studio was introduced at the same site in collaboration with Timeline TV and MOOV, featuring a compact 6m x 6m physical space enhanced by augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) elements via Mo-Sys StarTracker technology, creating an expansive on-air environment with four operational zones for integrating live race feeds. Following the closure of Timeline's Ealing Studios facility in 2023, production shifted to the Ealing Broadcast Centre, where Studio 4 is permanently allocated to RMG for ongoing HD operations across the fourth floor. In 2025, enhancements included expanded RaceiQ AI-driven sectional timing data for in-race broadcasts and a multi-year partnership with BMC TV for advanced remote production capabilities. The channel employs advanced multi-camera setups at racecourses, managed by RaceTech, the technical services provider for British horse racing, which deploys up to eight cameras per race for live capture and archival purposes using systems like for high-speed recording. Drone footage has been incorporated to provide dynamic aerial perspectives, with RaceTech introducing enhanced drone capabilities in early 2025 to cover full racecourse action, overcoming previous battery and flight restrictions for more immersive shots during key events. Graphics production includes data-driven overlays, such as RaceiQ performance metrics displayed post-race, enabling viewers to analyze horse speeds and margins shortly after finishes, though specific AI assistance for real-time timing remains integrated through broader AR tools in the virtual studio setup. Streaming capabilities are enhanced via the Racing TV Extra service, launched to deliver uninterrupted live feeds from all 61 contracted British and Irish racecourses directly to subscribers' devices, allowing simultaneous viewing of multiple events without channel switches. Accessible through the Racing TV on and Android, as well as desktop and large-screen platforms like and , the service supports seamless integration of main channel broadcasts with dedicated course streams, catering to growing digital access needs. While production incorporates VR elements for studio visualization, viewer-facing VR previews or 4K streams are not currently offered, with content focused on standard streaming compatibility. Broadcast standards adhere to UK norms, with full HD (1080i/50) implemented since the adoption of Grass Valley HD cameras and switchers in , ensuring smooth motion capture at 50 frames per second suitable for fast-paced action. As a licensed broadcaster, Racing TV complies with Ofcom's technical codes for , including signal specifications for clarity and accessibility across platforms. These standards prioritize reliable HD delivery over higher resolutions like 4K, aligning with regulatory requirements for public service quality. In , production saw upgrades through RaceTech's with ES Broadcast, including a new technical facility at featuring expanded galleries and control rooms to handle increased live output demands amid rising digital viewership. These enhancements improved integration for on-the-go access, supporting the channel's shift toward multi-platform delivery without disrupting core HD workflows.

On-Air Talent

Presenters and Hosts

Racing TV's presenters and hosts form the backbone of the channel's studio-based and on-course coverage, delivering previews, live interviews, and post-race analysis with a focus on engaging viewers through expert insights and impartial commentary. The team emphasizes journalistic rigor and deep knowledge, drawing from backgrounds in and the sport itself to maintain credibility across daily programming and major events. Nick Luck serves as the lead studio host since joining in 2019, anchoring key shows with his extensive experience from presenting and equestrian coverage. His role involves hosting in-depth previews and wrap-ups, often conducting high-profile interviews that highlight the human elements of the sport. acts as a versatile multi-event host, contributing to both studio discussions and on-site reporting for festivals like , leveraging his prior work with to bring energetic and informed presentations. The presenting team comprises more than 10 core members as of 2025, including studio figures like Angus McNae and Nick Lightfoot, who handle rotations for live broadcasts from the Newmarket studio, alongside on-course reporters such as Tom Stanley. This roster expands during major festivals, with additional hosts ensuring comprehensive coverage without overlap in roles. Female presenters like Lydia Hislop, who hosts specialized shows such as Road to , and Megan Nicholls, a dual-role host with ITV, add diverse perspectives rooted in their racing and media expertise. Newer additions, including Ella McNeill, who joined the broadcasting team in 2025, reflect ongoing efforts to broaden representation. Following the channel's 2019 rebrand from Racing UK to Racing TV, the lineup saw strategic additions to enhance diversity and appeal, incorporating talents like Gary O'Brien as lead Irish presenter and female contributors such as Kate Harrington to balance the team. This evolution prioritized impartiality and specialized knowledge, with presenters selected for their ability to provide unbiased analysis amid the sport's competitive landscape. No major departures from the presenting roster have been reported in 2024 or 2025, allowing continuity in the team's dynamic.

Commentators

Racing TV's commentators provide real-time narration of live horse races from dedicated commentary boxes at racecourses, capturing the excitement of the action as it unfolds. The team delivers descriptive play-by-play coverage for broadcasts from all 61 British and Irish racecourses featured on the channel, ensuring viewers receive consistent, high-quality audio across thousands of annual events. The core commentary roster includes seasoned professionals with deep roots in racing, often as former s or veteran broadcasters. Stewart Machin, a former amateur who transitioned to commentary after a riding career hampered by his height, has been a key voice on Racing TV for years, known for memorable calls like the 2016 Classic Chase victory of Russe Blanc. Simon Holt serves as a lead figure with more than three decades of experience, specializing in high-profile flat races and employing a precise, engaging style that highlights dramatic finishes. For jumps racing, commentators like Jerry Hannon bring specialist expertise, particularly for Irish meetings, with his energetic delivery noted for iconic moments such as the 2019 call of Roaring Bull's win. To maintain uniformity, commentators receive training through the Racecourse Media Group (RMG), Racing TV's parent entity, which coordinates production and ensures standardized techniques across the network. The team expands with over 20 freelance callers during peak periods like major festivals, drawing from a pool of experts to cover the demanding schedule.

Pundits and Analysts

Racing TV features a team of expert pundits and analysts who deliver specialized insights into , emphasizing pre- and post-race breakdowns, evaluations of horse form, and betting recommendations. These contributors appear on supplementary programs like Mark Your Card, where they discuss race dynamics and selections to guide viewers. Their analysis often draws on data such as historical performance stats, ground conditions, and current odds to provide informed perspectives on potential outcomes. The channel's pundit roster comprises more than 20 regulars, selected for their blend of practical experience from retired jockeys, trainers, and journalists, ensuring comprehensive coverage across Flat and National Hunt disciplines. This mix allows for diverse viewpoints, with a focus on gender balance that includes prominent female voices alongside male experts. Key figures include Ruby Walsh, a retired champion jumps jockey with extensive race-winning knowledge, who serves as a leading analyst for National Hunt events, offering breakdowns of jumping form and strategic race approaches. Matt Chapman, a seasoned broadcaster with a dual role in presentation and analysis, contributes to discussions on horse potential and market trends across both codes. Irish trainer Jessica Harrington provides targeted input on runners from her yard and broader Irish racing scene, enriching coverage with trainer-level expertise on preparation and conditions. Female analysts like , a trailblazing former flat jockey, add valuable perspectives on speed figures and Flat season form, while others such as Jane Mangan and Lisa O’Neill offer similar depth in jumps and general analysis. In 2025, the team engaged in seasonal features by nominating horses to follow for the Flat campaign and the 2025-26 Jumps season, using statistical evaluations to spotlight promising talents like Quai De Bourbon (nominated by Walsh) and others based on early form indicators.

References

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  48. https://www.racingpost.com/news/ireland/all-irish-racing-to-be-shown-on-racing-tv-until-at-least-2029-after-rebel-tracks-perform-u-turn-on-new-deal-akxhr6K1fmqt/
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  55. https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasting/rmg-to-pay-racecourses-1176m-for-media-and-data-rights/5181685.article
  56. https://www.hbamedia.tv/racecourse-media-group-and-hba-media-extend-partnership-to-maximise-international-media-rights-for-british-and-irish-horse-racing
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  65. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIj7mJtVnjk
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oivS9aizGw
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  68. https://www.timeline.tv/projects/racing-tv/
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