Press Releases

Extension of Turf TV Media Rights

Turf TV has announced that it has signed long-term agreements for the Licensed Betting Office (LBO) media rights of thirteen of the Jockey Club’s racecourses and 17 other independent racecourses.

The new contracts will commence on the expiry of the current agreements, starting in April 2013 and running until March 31 2018.

“This deal is hugely important, consolidating Turf TV’s position in the market and providing a firm foundation for future success,” commented Alan Morcombe, chairman of Amalgamated Racing, Turf TV’s parent company.

“The racecourses that have signed with us – including Epsom, Cheltenham, Aintree, York, Newmarket and Goodwood – are the biggest in the country, and therefore have the rights to the races with the highest betting turnover. This, in turn, is what drives value for LBOs, and hence the importance of this agreement for both our business and those of our LBO customers.

“Together with the recent successful conclusion of a litigation process which lasted two years, and took up significant management time, this now means that Turf TV can plan positively for the future. We are commencing talks with Ascot and are also actively looking at additional rights to add to our product portfolio”

The Jockey Club’s chief executive, Simon Bazalgette, added: “Both the signing of this contract, and its length, indicate the Jockey Club’s faith in Turf TV’s future as a business and our trust in its management.

“The racecourses’ involvement with Turf TV aligns our commercial interest with that of the betting shops, ensuring that we all have a shared interest in economic success.”

Notes for editors:

1/ Turf TV is a service owned by Amalgamated Racing, a Joint Venture between Alphameric PLC and 31 UK racecourses. It was first launched in April 2007, and its full service started on January 1 2008.

2/ Turf TV broadcasts exclusive coverage to Licensed Betting Offices from its 31 shareholder racecourses, which include Cheltenham, Ascot, Newmarket, Aintree, Epsom, Newbury, York, Goodwood and Chester.

3/ Turf TV’s service also includes a range of other televised betting products, including exclusive coverage of South African racing.

Further Information:

Charlie Methven (New Century Media)            0207 930 8033
charliemethven@newcenturymedia.co.uk