British racecourses unite with shared international distribution channel

Racecourse owners Arena Racing Company (ARC) and Racecourse Media Group (RMG) are joining forces to create a new channel to distribute British and Irish racing internationally.

The five-year partnership commences in January and will see content from British and Irish racecourses promoted and commercialised in a range of international pari-mutuel tote markets as a single service.

Separately, a service for a range of fixed odds territories will broadcast coverage from British racecourses, including ARC’s Premier Greyhound Racing service, which will be provided by ARC’s Vermantia production business.

“This partnership will offer British racing a unified export service, streamlined for our various international partners,” said ARC managing director of media and international Brendan Parnell. “Working with our colleagues at RMG, we look forward to offering and developing this efficient international platform to distribute and promote the sport around the world.”

The new tote service will come under the banner of GBI Racing (Great British & Irish racing), which had served a similar function from 2010 to 2018.

“I am delighted that British racing, and Irish racing via the tote service, will be sold and promoted as one package,” said RMG chief executive Martin Stevenson. “This will drive further value for our racecourses and provide a better product for our customers across the world. I look forward to working with Brendan and his team in creating this leading international service. I would also very much like to thank SIS for the work they have done for our racecourses in this area over the last five years.”