BBC Racing Under Threat

Sky TV has approached Aintree for talks to cover the Grand National, as the BBC’s contracts expires next year. Sky is also expected to show interest in Royal Ascot, whose contract with the BBC also runs out next year. The BBC last week lost the rights to cover the Cheltenham Festival when Channel 4 bought them for £3m in a five year deal.

The National, however, is one of a number of sporting events protected from being sold exclusively on one channel. The National Heritage Select Committee is due to release a report on TV Sponsorship and Coverage sometime next week, which is expected to deal with these selected sports.