The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) today announced a new five year broadcast agreement with the Seven Network, ensuring Australia’s premier racing event, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, will continue to be shown live on free to air television throughout Australia until at least 2018.
The agreement, which extends the VRC’s longstanding relationship with the Seven Network, also sees autumn’s Super Saturday, featuring the Lexus Newmarket Handicap and Darley Australian Cup, on free to air until at least 2019.
The announcement comes as the Seven Network has secured a separate landmark deal with the racing industry-owned broadcaster TVN to broadcast all major horse races annually, including Flemington’s Sofitel Girls’ Day Out featuring the Makybe Diva Stakes, Melbourne Cup Carnival Preview Day featuring the Turnbull Stakes, Black Caviar Lightning Day and Australian Guineas Day.
VRC Chairman Michael Burn welcomed the announcement.
“Racing’s fans and participants will all benefit from the landmark new broadcasting arrangements, which will provide vastly improved free-to-air exposure for the thoroughbred racing industry,” Mr Burn said.
“The VRC is delighted that the outstanding relationship we enjoy with the Seven Network will continue for a further five years at least.
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is regarded as Australia’s largest sporting, fashion, social and cultural celebration and it is important that as many Australians as possible will continue to be able to tune into the coverage on free to air television.
“No fewer than nine Flemington racedays will now enjoy free to air coverage on the Seven Network, which has enhanced its position as Australia’s premier free to air racing broadcaster.
The extension of live free to air television coverage will allow the VRC to maximise exposure for its corporate partners.
“The VRC is fortunate to have the support of a loyal portfolio of sponsors, and it is therefore important that comprehensive broadcasting arrangements are in place,” Mr Burn said.
“Along with the VRC’s arrangements with TVN, the agreement we have reached with Seven ensures that this objective has been achieved.”
