Racing UK will survive if Setanta goes under

RACING UK will survive as a stand-alone, satellite TV service if its financially stricken channel operator Setanta goes off theair, Jockey Club chief executive Simon Bazalgette has pledged.

Setanta directors were understood to be in emergency session on Monday, after weekend reports suggested that the Irish company faced being placed in administration.

However, Bazalgette said: "RUK will stay on air whatever happens to Setanta, screens won't suddenly go blank. RUK controls the channel, and knows what's needed to stay on air."

Setanta has until Tuesday to come up with £3m owed to the Scottish Premier League as the final instalment on this season's TV deal, but there is a further £35m payment due to the Premier League later this month for football rights.