At The Races agrees a new deal with Ripon and Plumpton that secures broadcast rights for the foreseeable future.
Stick a pen in between the fingers of a board member of At The Races (ATR) and it seems they will sign something as Ripon Racecourse become the latest entity to sign an agreement with the British racing channel.
The latest negotiations see Ripon Racecourse handing ATR a new deal that will see them continue as the broadcaster of choice for the next decade. The intricacies of the deal see ATR retain exclusive media rights across all platforms, excluding distribution into licensed betting offices in the UK & Ireland.
It’s the second deal in a matter of days after ATR and Plumpton also agreed similar terms but for a reduced contract length of five years.
The ATR will acquire the rights of the terrestrial television distribution with an agreement that covers the UK for Plumpton and UK & Ireland for Ripon. The Plumpton agreement will run Jan 2014 – Aug 2019 whereas the Ripon deal will run Jan 2014 – June 2024.
Speaking to Sporting Life, Matthew Imi, Chief Executive, ATR said: “Plumpton is one of the best supported small Jumps tracks in the country, one that is both renowned as a strong nursery ground for star horses of the future and essential to the grass roots success of the sport in the UK.
“Ripon Racecourse provides a strong portfolio of Flat racing fixtures throughout the summer and hosts some historic and high profile Handicap races including the William Hill Gt. St. Wilfrid and the City of Ripon Stakes,” he added.
“It’s racing that proves hugely popular amongst our audiences at home and abroad. We are delighted to announce a new media rights agreement and a ten year extension to our valued relationship with Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse and look forward to working with David Wilmot-Smith, James Hutchinson and the other Directors to achieve a significant increase in media rights payments going forward.”
As part of the deal both racecourses will be offered seats on the ATR board.
