Best Racing on Racing TV Handicap: RTV ends broadcast deal with witty send-off

Racing TV broadcast their last meeting from Ascot on Saturday and have not missed the opportunity for what might be seen as a parting shot.

Ascot has chosen Sky Sports Racing as new broadcast partners, with the first meeting under the new arrangement on March 31. But the penultimate race on Saturday's card is pointedly called the 'Best Racing on Racing TV Handicap Hurdle'.

Nick Smith, director of racing and communications at Ascot, said: "They have a race sponsorship arrangement and they are entitled to sponsor the race in anyway they like. They have been a great partner for four years. They have great talent and good production people, it's been a pleasure to dealing with them.

"There are a lot of things we will miss from Racing TV and a lot of things we are excited by for Sky Sports. It will be a tremendous day for them to finish on."

The track is preparing for a mammoth nine-race card, with the rescheduled Betfair Hurdle and Denman Chase added to Saturday's programme.

Smith added: "With nine races it is complicated in terms of accommodating your own sponsors and to make sure that the TV schedule enhances the day. ITV were fantastic to cover the extra races and as quick as any other party to get on top of it.

"From our point of view preparation is important but it is perfectly easy to do, you just start earlier and end later. It is more complicated in the mid-winter but when you have a bit of daylight you are okay."

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