Explainer: what happened at Bath and why did a media rights war erupt?

Over the last 24 hours tensions between racecourses and bookmakers over media rights payments exploded into the open. Here we explain what happened, why the organisations involved acted the way they did, and consider what might happen next.
What happened on Tuesday evening?
When early prices for Wednesday's meeting at Bath began to appear on Tuesday, it became apparent that two firms, Paddy Power and Sky Bet, were not offering prices. It subsequently was revealed that Flutter, which owns both the bookies concerned, was attempting to bring racecourse operator Arena Racing Company back to the table over media rights payments, which it says are too high, by refusing to bet on the meeting.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inBritain
Last updated
- Frankie Dettori booked for Derby ride as American trainer plots bid for Epsom history
- Harry Skelton set to scoop £500,000 David Power Jockeys Cup prize - but here's how the £1.5m competition could all change in final two days
- Dan Skelton trying to avoid squeaky bum time as he bids to hold off chasing rivals at Aintree in battle for trainers' title
- Russell Ferris leaves Weatherbys for new role at Racecourse Media Group, with Sharon O'Regan to replace him
- Top Japanese stars in line for trip to Britain as connections target York's Juddmonte International
- Frankie Dettori booked for Derby ride as American trainer plots bid for Epsom history
- Harry Skelton set to scoop £500,000 David Power Jockeys Cup prize - but here's how the £1.5m competition could all change in final two days
- Dan Skelton trying to avoid squeaky bum time as he bids to hold off chasing rivals at Aintree in battle for trainers' title
- Russell Ferris leaves Weatherbys for new role at Racecourse Media Group, with Sharon O'Regan to replace him
- Top Japanese stars in line for trip to Britain as connections target York's Juddmonte International