ITV Extends Deal To Cover UK Horse Racing

ITV has announced a new three-year deal to show exclusive, free to air coverage of UK horse racing until the end of 2026, extending ITV’s current racing coverage, which began in 2017.

ITV1 and ITV4 will broadcast over 100 days of live coverage each year – all simulcast on ITVX, along with morning racing programme, The Opening Show.

The deal encompasses UK racing’s Crown Jewel events with the Grand National, the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot and the Derby all featuring.

ITV director of sport, Niall Sloane said he is delighted to bring viewers so much coverage of horse racing.

“This deal will take us to a decade of racing on ITV and we’re delighted to be able to continue to bring to viewers well over 100 days of live coverage of this wonderful sport, including some of the most enjoyable, storied and thrilling events of each year,” Sloane said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Racecourse Media Group and our other partners within racing to bring audiences the very best racing has to offer in the coming years,” he said.

In addition, CEO of Racecourse Media Group, Martin Stevenson said on behalf of the racecourses, the team is delighted to have cemented our relationship with ITV for a further three years.

“ITV have been an excellent partner for the sport, providing more terrestrial coverage here in the UK than in any other racing jurisdiction in the world, illustrating both the commitment of the broadcaster and the enduring popularity of the sport,” Stevenson said.

The announcement comes after the NFL announced a three-year partnership with ITV.