THE news of the acquisition of the rights to terrestrial TV racing coverage dominated many headlines this week.

Channel 4 viewing ratings have fallen each year, even for the big racing days. Speculation on what broadcasters would be acquired by the new station also became a topic of conversation as if this may be the solution to falling viewing figures. But is it the presenter or the product or just changing times for watching racing that is the problem?

The BBC afternoon audience was simply that much greater, picking up casual viewers. So may be the new ITV1 coverage for the bigger events over the 34 main days. The hope must be that it will somehow hook enough people on those days to entice them to seek out similar coverage on a more obscure channel.

John McCririck commented that the Channel 4 programme (without him) “lacks heart, it lacks soul, it lacks dynamism and, above all, it lacks fun”.

On the other hand James Willoughby, informed and entertaining himself, in an excellent TDN article argues: “It is serious, informed content which drives … nascent interest, delivered by individuals who have enthusiasm for the sport and packaged in a highly informative fashion via graphics, charts and video packages.”

Much of the fun comes from the people involved. When you produce coverage showing the horses, discussing the form, the race itself and add in the ad breaks, there is little room left. Channel 4’s A.P. McCoy farewell programme was excellent but that was focused on one person.

In searching for the presenter with the fun factor At The Races presenter Matt Chapman was the most suggested. Chapman treads a narrow line between fun and offence. He has free rein on At The Races to interact and have the banter with guests. A role as presenter will offer less of the individual input than when controlling things from a studio.

He is very comfortable among racegoers, happy to roll about on the sodden turf to show the state of the ground or delighting in engaging in slagging matches with anyone who cares to engage.

The bit of craic, irreverent style is very much the At The Races way and works for the quiet days, Friday evenings and Sunday morning analysis. Afternoon racing on the main channel can look dull in comparison but the style won’t transfer to an afternoon timeframe when the racing itself is the star.

Likes and dislikes among presenters are down to individual tastes. Many are well respected and well connected in the industry but often lack a touch of charisma on screen.

The Racing UK presenters are among the best, Oli Bell, Lydia Hislop and Stewart Machin are excellent interviewers and rarely ask a stupid or irrelevant question. Bell is also very good as a main presenter. Jim McGrath has the experience for analysis. The bookmaking ring offers a chance for a roving reporter like Chapman to mingle with the ordinary people.

It will be interesting times in the race to line up on the first show.