Arc day to be shown on main ITV channel as part of busy autumn schedule

Europe’s richest race will be televised on the main ITV channel on Sunday week, with a two-and-a-half hour programme scheduled for Arc day at Longchamp.

The programme will run from 1-3.30pm, with the big race, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, set to take place at 3.05pm.

Terrestrial coverage of the big international races continues in November, with day one of the Breeders’ Cup meeting at Keeneland on November 4 being shown from 6.30pm on ITV3 and day two on November 5 televised on ITV4 from 3.30-10.30pm.

The second day from Keeneland is the second part of a mammoth programme on ITV, with the domestic coverage from Elite Hurdle day at Wincanton, the November Handicap card at Doncaster and Aintree beginning on ITV4 at 1pm.

Jumps fans will also be pleased, with the traditional season opener at Chepstow on October 7, the Old Roan Chase at Aintree on October 23 and Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on November 4 among other racedays to be televised.

Ed Chamberlin will front ITV Racing's blockbuster coverage over the next two monthsCredit: Edward Whitaker

ITV Racing’s lead presenter Ed Chamberlin said: “As always, we want to show the best of international and domestic races across both codes on ITV, even if that means a ten-hour stint of continuous racing on the Saturday of Breeders’ Cup day.

“It’s a mouthwatering offering for racing fans in the next few months and we can’t wait.”

Torquator Tasso’s Arc success last year attracted a peak viewing figure on ITV of 881,000, which was down from the 1.16 million who tuned in to see Enable’s final attempt at a record-breaking third in the famous race the previous year.

ITV schedule for October and November

October

Saturday October 1: Ascot, Newmarket, Redcar, 1-4pm, ITV4
Sunday October 2: Arc day, Longchamp, 1-3.30pm, ITV
Friday October 7: Newmarket, York, Chepstow, 1.15-4pm, ITV4
Saturday October 8: Newmarket, York, 1.30-4pm, ITV
Saturday October 15: Champions day, Ascot, 1-5pm, ITV
Saturday October 22: Cheltenham, Doncaster, Newbury, 1.30-4.30pm ITV4
Sunday October 23: Aintree, Limerick, Wincanton, 1.10-4pm ITV4
Saturday October 29: Wetherby, Ascot, 1-4pm, ITV

November

Friday November 4: Wincanton, Exeter, Down Royal, 1.30-4pm, ITV
Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland, from 6.30pm on ITV3 *exact timings tbc
Saturday November 5: Wincanton, Doncaster, Aintree, 1-3.30pm, ITV4
Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland, 3.30-10.30pm, ITV4
Friday November 11: Cheltenham, 1.10-4pm, ITV4
Saturday November 12: Cheltenham, Lingfield, 1.30-4pm, ITV
Sunday November 13: Cheltenham, Fontwell, 1.10-4pm, channel tbc
Saturday November 19: Haydock, Ascot, 1.30-4pm, ITV
Sunday November 20: Haydock, Punchestown, Exeter, 1.10-4pm, ITV4
Friday November 25: Newbury, 1.30-4pm, ITV3
Saturday November 26: Newbury, Newcastle, 1.30-4pm, ITV3

Times to subject to minor change

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