Seven secures new deal for Australian racing

The Seven Network has signed an agreement to broadcast Australian thoroughbred racing live and free every Saturday of the year as part of the most significant free-to-air television deal in the history of the sport.

Seven has partnered with Racing Victoria, Racing NSW, Racing Queensland and Racing SA in the historic, long-term deal that unites Australian thoroughbred racing.

The agreement to 2027 means 52 weeks of elite racing across the nation, including, NSW – every group one and feature race, highlighted by the Golden Slipper, The Championships, The Everest and Golden Eagle. In Victoria, Melbourne events headlined by the All-Star Mile, Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate. In Queensland the Summer and Winter Carnivals, Queensland Oaks, Queensland Derby and Stradbroke Handicap, and in South Australia – the May Carnival and the South Australian Derby, and the South Australian Oaks and Goodwood Handicap.

In August, Seven reported a 240% bump in profit to $125.5 million, while the 7Plus revenue was up by 78%.

Seven West Media’s MD and CEO, James Warburton, said: “Seven has a long and proud history of bringing horse racing to Australian television viewers and I’m very pleased to announce this innovative, comprehensive long-term agreement.

“It is great news for Seven, our partners, the fans and horse racing in general, and it reinforces our position as the home of the best sport on television, all live and free.”

Sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, who leads Seven’s racing coverage, said: “It’s a landmark deal for racing in this country. To be able to share with all Australians the excitement and colour of the race track every week, on free-to-air television, is a dream come true.

“It feels unifying; the culmination of all within the sport pulling together to keep going despite the constant challenges of the pandemic. For Seven Sport, it continues a tradition that goes back five decades and more to the legendary Bill Collins, to the delights of Winx and her connections, and now opens up the chance to showcase to the widest possible audience the great moments to come.”

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Emma Shepherd

Emma Shepherd was the acting deputy editor at Mumbrella who has over seven years of print and digital experience in the industry and has previously worked as a reporter for media outlets Bauer Media (now Are Media), Yahoo Australia, and a content strategist and writer for various independent marketing agencies.

topics Australian Racing Horse Racing James Warburton landmark deal Lewis Martin Racing NSW Racing Queensland Racing Victoria Seven The Seven Network

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