New names and challenges but still much uncertainty in the racing channel world

One reshaped and renamed racing channel has now been launched. Another will have its curtain raised on Wednesday. These are interesting times for those who watch the channels. The same is true for the channels' employees.

First to lift the lid was Racing UK, which through Saturday press conferences at Newbury and Fairyhouse explained what will happen when on January 1 it becomes the home of Irish racing under the new name Racing TV.

Seldom can a broadcaster in possession of a fresh contract have taken such flak even before that contract has begun. The transfer of Ireland's rights from ATR has been criticised by viewers, journalists and prominent racing figures, including Willie Mullins, JP McManus and Michael O'Leary, who in February described the news as "very bad for Irish racing" and "a very retrograde step".