New bidder in rights deal

Britain's smaller independent racecourses were presented with a rival media rights deal that the bidders claim will be worth £67million to them over the next five years.

It is more than double the equivalent portion of Go Racing's offer, currently under negotiation.

New media rights company GG-Media unveiled their proposal, involving a broadcast partnership with Satellite Information Services (SIS), in London today.

Representatives from 22 of the 26 tracks were there, while the other courses will see plans tomorrow.

The offer hinges on the slice allotted to the smaller tracks under Go Racing's £400m, 10-year media rights deal, presented by a consortium comprising Channel 4, Sky and multi-racecourse operator Arena.

GG-Media issued a deadline of Friday 13 March for interested parties to agree to talks. SIS will sign a contract with GG-Media for exclusive betting shop and non-terrestrial TV rights, as well as non-exclusive internet rights, provided enough of the 26 tracks sign up to collectively stage between 300 and 416 fixtures a year.

The new deal would apply from 1 May 2002, when SIS's existing betting shop contract expires, and safeguard the future of the Racing Channel.