Ascot decide to stay with At The Races

Ascot remained out on a limb among Britain's top racecourses today after confirming that they plan to assign digital television rights to the Sky-backed At The Races as opposed to Racing UK.

Sustained pressure from leading industry figures had led to speculation that a U-turn was imminent but Douglas Erskine-Crum, Ascot's MD, has ignored their pleas in a move which represents a direct snub to the 31 tracks who have formed Racing UK with the aim of securing the financial future of the sport.

Erskine-Crum explained his decision today and stressed the need for racing to maximise its international profile in order to tap into the global betting market.

"This is an important decision both for Ascot and for racing, but Sky is an experienced broadcaster which will put racing out free-to-air and, most importantly of all, it has the promotional power to put racing alongside the best sports events in the world," he said.

Contracts between the parties concerned have yet to be finalised, but Erskine-Crum revealed that an interim agreement has been reached with ATR before urging racing to unite behind one channel.

"Royal Ascot will be covered by ATR from 9.30 next Tuesday morning, but we are also announcing a review of all aspects of the proposition in a further attempt to achieve a 59-racecourse solution," he added.

"It is in all of our interests to come to an agreement. The new betting market is developing rapidly and racing must participate or risk being left behind."

Middleham-based handler Mark Johnston, who has been top trainer at the royal meeting for the last two years, described the decision by the Ascot executive as "hugely disappointing."