Busy start for new channels as Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing launch

The first day of action on new-look racing channels Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing was non-stop, but passed off without any major problems.

Racing TV, formerly Racing UK, screened the bulk of the action with six of the eight British and Irish meetings staged on Tuesday. The channel is the new home of Irish racing, with the island's 26 tracks added to its portfolio.

The additions of Fairyhouse and Tramore along with cards at Catterick, Cheltenham, Exeter and Musselburgh meant for split-screen action on more than one occasion, which led to some criticism on social media but viewers did not miss any of the 40 live races broadcast on Racing TV.

With so many meetings, delays to off-times were always a possibility. Incidents at Catterick and Musselburgh led to races being pushed back, with the 2.10 at Catterick delayed by 25 minutes. However these delays did not affect much live coverage.

It was a more sedate start to Sky Sports Racing, previously At The Races, with the channel covering Fakenham and the only Flat card of the day at Southwell.

A role reversal is in store on Wednesday, with Sky Sports Racing hosting the majority of the action. The channel will screen a double dose of all-weather meetings from Wolverhampton and Newcastle, plus Hereford's jumps card.

For Racing TV, Ayr's jumps meeting carries the day, subject to an 8am inspection.

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