RMG will manage Ascot’s media rights from 2014

Ascot has announced that from 12 June 2014 it will join Racecourse Media Group (RMG, the parent company of Racing UK TV), which will be responsible for the distribution of all of the racecourse’s media rights in the UK and overseas.

In conjunction with this, racing from Ascot will transfer to Racing UK TV from At The Races (ATR) prior to Royal Ascot 2014.

Charles Barnett, chief executive at Ascot, said: “After careful consideration we have decided to extend our relationship with RMG, with whom we recently negotiated the exclusive terrestrial television contract with Channel 4. We have also partnered with the RMG courses since 2007 in the provision of our pictures to betting shops through Turf TV. We have had an excellent and productive relationship with At The Races since 2004 and are most grateful for all they have done for us.

“Enabling a large percentage of the best of British racing to be promoted by one entity and showcased through one satellite broadcaster mirrors the thinking behind the Channel 4 deal, and it should benefit initiatives like the QIPCO British Champions Series.”

Richard FitzGerald, CEO of Racecourse Media Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ascot to the RMG family. The racecourse’s tremendous racing and global reputation is a natural fit alongside the quality output from our other 33 racecourses.

“As Racing UK is 100% owned by our shareholder racecourses, all profits are reinvested in the sport. The agreement will benefit Ascot, RMG’s racecourses, the racing community and the sport as a whole.”