Irish racing's terrestrial coverage boosted as RTE and HRI agree three-year deal

Irish racing is set for more terrestrial television coverage than ever before after the country's national broadcaster RTE and Horse Racing Ireland agreed a new three-year deal.

Under the new agreement, 31 days of live racing will be shown on free-to-air television in 2021, rising to 32 live days in 2022 and 2023.

The previous deal allocated between 25 and 27 days of live coverage a year, although a series of one-hour evening programmes were introduced last summer while racing was one of a limited number of sports operating during the Coronavirus-hit calendar.

Thursday's announcement follows Irish language station TG4 showcasing live action on seven consecutive weekends in March and April for the first time.

As well as continuing to broadcast from Ireland's premier festivals in 2021, RTE will feature Royal Ascot Trials Day from Naas on May 16, Down Royal's Ladbrokes Champion Chase card on October 30 and Morgiana Hurdle day from Punchestown on November 14.

RTE Sport: committed to new three-year deal with Irish racingCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

There will also be a December double-header from the same venue and Cork on December 5 for the John Durkan and Hilly Way Chases, while a separate Navan fixture, with the exact details still to be confirmed, will be shown in November.

"Horseracing is an integral part of the RTE Sport offering, and we are delighted to extend our partnership with HRI and the racecourses," said RTE's group head of sport Declan McBennett.

"The trainers and jockeys in particular have proven repeatedly that they are at the very forefront of their profession internationally, and we hope to see the very best of Irish equine talent over the next three years."

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh added: "RTE has long been a wonderful partner for Irish racing and we are delighted to extend our relationship for a further three years."

RTE's live coverage from the Fairyhouse Easter festival begins at 2.30pm this Sunday and Monday.

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