The Racing Partnership, a joint venture between UK racecourse owner and operator Arena Racing Company and seven UK independent racecourses, has entered into a long-term media rights deal with betting and gaming company William Hill.
As a result of the deal, William Hill will buy betting shop media rights directly from TRP, which represents 15 ARC-owned racecourses in addition to the seven independent racecourses. This is the first time the company has purchased media rights directly from racecourses rather than via an intermediary.
The deal will commence from January 1 with TRP coverage being shown in William Hill’s 2,371 UK betting shops. In addition to UK racing from TRP’s 22 racecourses the channel includes coverage of South African racing.
ARC chief executive Martin Cruddace said: “We have a clear vision of wanting to create the most efficient deal for all parties, based on content that has real value, and we believe we have achieved just that with this deal.
“We are committed to working with William Hill to develop, improve and deliver the racing product that their customers want. It is essential for the long-term health of British racing that there is a strong and vibrant retail betting sector.”