Last-gasp picture deal

Punters will not be deprived of betting-shop pictures today after an eleventh-hour deal was forced through between bookmakers and racecourses late last night.

But the transmission of live pictures is set to last just 24 hours after it was agreed to extend the traditional arrangement for another day to allow negotiations to continue.

Racecourse Association (RCA) chairman Keith Brown said: "Developments have taken place that will lead to discussions with bookmakers with the aim of reaching an agreement before the end of today. In these circumstances, we will continue to allow the transmission of pictures to betting shops today."

The bookmaker offer of £3,600 per race for a stated number of events and fixtures, not including terrestially televised races, was categorically rejected by the RCA. It is understood that racecourses would look kindly on a deal worth £3,700 per race in the first year and £4,000 thereafter.

Meanwhile, Channel 4 racing has relaunched under its new identity of '4 attheraces' to coincide with today's first airing of the new digital channel dedicated to horseracing.

Attheraces, available on Sky digital channel 418, is owned by a consortium comprising Channel 4, BSkyB and racecourse owner, Arena Leisure.