Channel 4 to finish racing coverage on 27 December

The Coral Welsh Grand National from Chepstow on 27 December will mark Channel 4’s final racing broadcast, as the UK broadcaster bows out from the sport following 32 years of coverage.

Channel 4 management confirmed that its ‘4 Racing’ program would finish the day after Boxing Day and that 4 Racing would not broadcast scheduled racing from Newbury on New Year’s Eve.

Detailing its decision not to broadcast racing content on the 31st of December, Channel 4 stated that it had found ‘logistical difficulties’ in the handover of third party broadcast equipment to ITV, UK racing’s new terrestrial broadcaster who will begin its coverage on 1 January.

The broadcaster released the following statement relating to its final racing show

“Channel 4 is proud of our 32-year association with British horse racing. Over this period, we have continually delivered above and beyond our contractual requirements.”

“We have delivered more coverage of racing than any other terrestrial broadcaster and our investment in award-winning weekly coverage has delivered a 10 million audience for the Grand National and numerous innovations, from the jockeycam to the horsetracker.”

“Our final racing broadcast will be on Tuesday 27 December and will retain its strong production value. We would like to thank the horse racing industry for 32 fun-filled and dramatic years and wish them the very best for the future.”