France Galop chief challenges C4's explanation for Arc withdrawal

The chief executive of France Galop has refuted the financial reasons given by Channel 4 for not showing next month's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and claimed French racing's governing body even offered to waive last year's £35,000 rights fee in an attempt to secure coverage.

Olivier Delloye, who described himself as hopeful ITV will return the Arc to mainstream television next year, expressed annoyance over what he claimed to have been an inaccurate account given by Channel 4.

The Racing Post revealed on Saturday that Channel 4, which in December will cease covering British racing having lost out on a four-year rights deal to ITV, would not be televising this season's Arc having brought viewers five live races on the day in 2015.