RMG optimistic following glorious Goodwood success
The partnership between Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and Goodwood Racecourse led to the successful broadcasting of last week’s Qatar ‘Glorious’ Goodwood Festival.
The five-day meeting, which was broadcast worldwide, had attracted additional interest from North America, and with the sport seemingly growing in popularity in that region of the world, organisers are hoping the increased interest continues.
When asked about how the partnership could help expand UK racing to a North American audience, Seb Vance, Director of Communications and International TV distribution for RMG stated: “We are seeing more interest from broadcasters in the region. NBC have for the last couple of years shown live coverage of the Investec Derby, and added Wednesday’s Sussex Stakes and this month’s International Stakes for the first time this year, which is really encouraging. Hopefully, the number of days will increase next year too.”
The added broadcasting couldn’t have come at a better time, with viewers around the world witnessing history as Khadijah Mellah became the first UK jockey to wear hijab, winning her race and the Magnolia Cup in the process.
Vance concluded by stating: “We produce a World Feed for NBC, so all commercial messaging is stripped out. We also produce a bespoke Racing TV International feed for our wagering broadcasters, which includes TVG, NYRA and HPI.
“We believe UK racing is the best in the world and our remit is to generate widespread TV exposure for our shareholder racecourses and their sponsors, so we target all corners of the globe.
“We hope other events such as the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, and QIPCO Guineas Festival and Darley July Cup at Newmarket might also resonate as they are premium racing events, which attract the cream of Europe and beyond.”
ITV’s viewing figures for the five-day race meeting also saw a boost at this year’s fixture, with the broadcaster reporting an average audience of 573,000 this year, compared to 523,000 last year and 513,000 in 2017.
Peak numbers are reported to have jumped by nine per cent to approximately 755,000, compared to the 689,000 reported last year.
Source: SBC News
