Racecourse Media Group, the parent company of Racing TV, has renewed its partnership with Sky Business.

Under the agreement, Sky Business will remain the exclusive provider of Racing TV for the hospitality sector. 

Racing TV broadcasts over 8,000 live races per year, which includes 90% of all Grade / Group One races – the highest class in the sport – from racecourses such as Cheltenham, Aintree, Newmarket, Epsom, York, Goodwood and Sandown. 

Nick Mills, CEO of Racecourse Media Group, said: “This renewal will take the partnership with Sky Commercial to 15 years by the end of 2028, which is a testament to what a mutually beneficial relationship we enjoy. 

“The day-in, day-out top-class content we provide, and the service Sky offer to their customers, means we are now serving more than 10,000 pubs and clubs. Hopefully, we can work together to grow the commercial subscriber base further and ensure an even wider reach for the sport.”

Horseracing is vital to pubs and clubs across the UK due to it being one of the only sports that is broadcast nearly every day of the year. This consistency allows these locations to generate profits on days which otherwise would be quiet. 

In addition to weekday coverage, horseracing also has several major festivals throughout the year, which helps pubs and clubs welcome more customers and establish horseracing communities within their customer base. 

To celebrate the influence horseracing has on the hospitality sector, Racing TV and Sky Business are running the “Racing Pub of the Year” competition for the second year in a row. This competition asks pub and club-goers to select their favourite place to watch racing. 

Following a vote, which is accessible via Horse Racing TV’s website, the winner of the competition will obtain racing-themed branding, a £1,000 bar tab, a slot on Racing TV’s Friday evening show and a stand-alone on-site feature to air on Racing TV. 

James Tweddle, Director of Hospitality at Sky Business, commented: “We’re committed to providing our customers with content that helps them to bring more people through the door, who spend more and stay longer. 

“Showing horseracing can be a great opportunity for pubs to boost footfall during quieter periods, and Racing TV is the home to some of the best horseracing content, year-round.”

While horseracing continues to be one of the most-watched sports in the UK, there is a concern that it isn’t appealing to a younger audience. 

In October, Insider Sport spoke with Joshua Sparke, Director of Procurement and Business Development at LiveScore Group, to learn what the sport can do to appeal to the next generation. 

Previous articleEyeball.Club: How computer vision is uncovering football talents globally
Next articleESPN opts to renew Atlantic Coast Conference media deal