Breeding & Racing Magazine

NSW Provincial Clubs Comment On Media Rights

The Provincial Racing Association of NSW & its members (Gosford Race Club, Newcastle Jockey Club, Hawkesbury Race Club, Wyong Race Club & Illawarra Turf Club) released a statement noting they have "partnered with Sky Racing to provide broadcasts of provincial racing over many years". The current contracts with Sky Racing "conclude in December this year & the clubs would be quite comfortable in extending the contracts under agreed terms for a further period". However the Provincial Clubs "see the potential in aggregating the NSW & Victorian thoroughbred rights through Racing NSW & at this point in time have been provided with details of a Heads Of Agreement for this to occur". Provincial Racing Association chairman Geoff Barnett commented: "Completing the contractual arrangements is dependent on the Provincial Clubs being provided with certain financial & coverage guarantees under the proposed arrangements. The Provincial Clubs continue to place significant importance on securing satisfactory coverage on a wall-to-wall channel as well as a feature thoroughbred channel, which still makes Sky Racing an important player in future broadcast rights. The Provincial Racing Association also accepts that aggregation will maximise industry revenue from new media & technology enhancements. The Association looks forward to completing arrangements that ensure the best media focus available for Provincial Racing."