At The Races Sets Date For Channel Relaunch
BSkyB and Arena Leisure have announced a relaunch date for failed horseracing channel Attheraces following a last minute rescue bid to put the operation back on track earlier this month.
The channel will begin broadcasting on Sky Digital on 11 June, after completing an agreement with SIS to secure the company as its broadcast production partner, offering viewers live coverage of race meetings at Chepstow and Southwell racecourses.
Announcing the relaunch, Matthew Imi, chief executive of Attheraces, said: “On Friday 11 June quality live UK racing will return on a channel dedicated to the sport, available at no extra cost, in over 9 million homes. The countdown continues on schedule and exactly as we have outlined, consistently, to the racing industry. We are working with our racecourse and production partners and will deliver on our promises.”
He added: “This is very good news for all the racecourses working with us and we are particularly pleased for all the viewers and punters who have been so supportive of Attheraces over the years – they will soon have live racing back on their screens.”
In addition to its racing content, the channel promises viewers interactive betting via their televisions, as well as a new format which is quicker and easier to use.
Attheraces was rescued earlier this month when Arena bought out Channel 4’s 33% stake in the channel. The operation is now owned jointly by BSkyB and Arena although arrangements have also been made for racecourses to become equity holders in the new business (see Attheraces Back On Track With New Broadcasting Deal).
Arena Leisure: 0207 495 2277 www.arenaleisureplc.com BSkyB: 0207 705 3000 www.sky.com
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