Racecourse Media Group Extends Media and Data Rights Deals Through 2033

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has secured long-term extensions covering the audio-visual and data rights of 33 of its British racecourse shareholders.

Read more San Antonio Spurs

The new agreements cover RMG’s full media and data rights portfolio through 31 December 2033, including Watch & Bet streaming, direct-to-home broadcasting, terrestrial television, international betting and non-betting rights, as well as pre-race and race-day data rights.

The extensions have been agreed well ahead of the existing rights arrangements, which were due to expire in December 2028, with 33 shareholder racecourses committing to a further five-year term.

Among the racecourses included are Jockey Club Racecourses, York, Goodwood and Ayr, alongside 16 small independent racecourses.

The agreements will also keep a number of major British racing events within RMG’s portfolio until at least 2034. These include the Randox Grand National, Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, Betfred Derby, Qatar Sussex Stakes and Juddmonte International Stakes.

Conor Grant, outgoing Chair of RMG, said:

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our shareholder racecourses for the confidence they have once again shown in RMG. Their collective commitment is a powerful endorsement of the racecourse ownership model they created in 2004 and demonstrates the value that can be achieved when racecourses work together in the long-term interests of British racing.

RMG is a force for good in British racing, and our racecourse members continue to invest in and grow the sport. These renewals provide important certainty for racecourses at a time when the wider betting and media landscape continues to evolve. Against a backdrop of retail shop closures, regulatory change and broader economic pressures, RMG’s racecourse shareholders are well placed to navigate challenges and capitalise on future opportunities across broadcasting, streaming, data and betting.”

The agreements extend RMG’s relationship with its shareholder racecourses across a period in which the company expects the betting and media environment to continue changing.

Nick Mills, CEO of RMG, said:

“I’d like to thank the racecourses for the trust they have instilled in RMG’s ability to deliver long-term value on their behalf.

As a business wholly owned by its racecourse shareholders, every pound of profit generated by RMG is returned to racecourses, helping to support prizemoney, facilities and investment across the sport. These renewals provide a strong platform from which we can continue growing revenues and maximising returns on behalf of our shareholders.

I would also like to recognise the outstanding work of the RMG team and thank the audiences, customers and partners who support our businesses every day. Under our vision of Working for Racing’s Future, we look forward to continuing to work with broadcasters, betting operators, technology and media partners, alongside the owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys and stable staff whose dedication makes racing such a compelling and successful sport.”

Read more NFL

RMG is wholly owned by its racecourse shareholders, with profits generated by the business returned to racecourses.

Jim Mullen, Group Chief Executive at The Jockey Club, said:

“RMG has consistently delivered significant value from media and data rights for more than two decades, helping to unlock revenues from the betting and broadcast sector in a way that few other sports have achieved. Those returns have supported investment in prizemoney, racecourse facilities and the overall customer experience across our venues.

More recently, the income generated through RMG has provided vital support to racecourses during periods of considerable challenge and change. RMG has a critical role to play in helping drive the future growth and sustainability of British racing.”

York Racecourse, which was among the founding members of Racing UK in 2004, is also extending its relationship with RMG under the new agreements.

William Derby, Chief Executive of York Racecourse, said:

“As one of the founding members of Racing UK in 2004, York Racecourse is delighted to extend its long-standing relationship with Racecourse Media Group through to 2034. The racecourse ownership model remains a strength of RMG, ensuring that racecourses retain control of their media and data rights while benefiting from collective scale and expertise of RMG’s talented team both in front and behind the camera. We are hugely appreciative of everyone who supports RMG and the racing it covers.

Through Racing TV, Raceday TV and its wider commercial operations both domestically and internationally, RMG has consistently delivered innovation, value and world-class coverage for racecourses and horseracing fans. We look forward to continuing to work together to showcase racing’s biggest occasions on both the domestic and international stage.”

Kelso Racecourse is among the independent racecourses continuing its relationship with RMG, with the revenue generated through the arrangement supporting areas including prizemoney and racecourse investment.

Jonathan Garratt, Managing Director of Kelso Racecourse, said:

“RMG ensures that racing enthusiasts, bettors, and participants can follow the racing action from all of the shareholder racecourses throughout the year, Monday to Sunday, whatever the season. The resultant revenue has become a vital component of racecourse finances, supporting prizemoney, investment and the ongoing enhancement of facilities for racegoers and participants alike.

The agreement to renew our rights with RMG is a vote of confidence in the executive team and their ability to deliver strong commercial returns while continuing to evolve media products and services in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Read more Fux Allows Flamengo to Join STF Case Challenging Brazil’s Betting Ban