Virgin Media deal extended

VIRGIN Media Television will continue to televise the best British racing to Irish viewers, following an agreement with Racecourse Media Group to extend their partnership for another three years.

Among the 50 days of free-to-air live racing due to be shown in 2024 are the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National Festival, Derby Festival, Goodwood Festival, Ebor Festival and British Champions Day.

Martin Stevenson, CEO of Racecourse Media Group said: “Our British racecourses enjoy an excellent shop window in Ireland thanks to this partnership with Virgin Media Television. We are delighted British racing will continue to enjoy live coverage for a further three years, as well as benefit from the additional programming and news highlights, plus valuable cross-promotion, which Virgin Media Television provides.”

Big whip ban for Woods

JUMP jockey Kielan Woods was given a 45-day suspension yesterday by British racing’s independent Disciplinary Panel following a referral by the Whip Review Committee. Nine days of the ban have been suspended for six months. The 36 initial days will be served from January 20th to February 24th.