Betfred Derby: 170 countries set to showcase Epsom showpiece

The appeal of the Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs has never been stronger – if the global TV interest in the world’s most famous Flat race is a guide.

A total of 41 broadcasters / agencies will showcase the 246th running of the famous Classic, first staged in 1780, to 170 countries (off at 3.30pm BST / local).

Working with The Jockey Club, which owns and operates Epsom Downs Racecourse, Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and HBA Media have secured a wide range of broadcasters from all corners of the globe.

TV audiences can watch via the likes of ESPN/Disney+ (LATAM and Caribbean), SuperSport (Africa), FanDuel (US), Viaplay and Setanta (Europe), while those showing the race for the first time include FanCode (160m users in India), Sportsnet (Canada), D-Smart (Turkey) and Charlton (Israel). FOX Sports will include highlights on its American network within its Belmont Stakes programme. The race can also be followed live in the skies and on the seas via the Sport 24 and Anuvu networks.

The fixture is an integral part of the World Pool schedule, ensuring widespread coverage in Hong Kong (via HKJC TV, Cable TV, Now TV, TVB), and The Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Lester Piggott, run at 5.15pm BST / local, is one of eight races to be simulcast to the World Pool audience.

CNN (c.350 million household reach) and TransWorld Sport (leading global sports magazine programme) will add to the reach, as will Reuters, who will distribute to news outlets around the world.

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “The ability to watch the world’s most famous Flat race on a screen can be traced back to 1896, when the Derby became the first horse race to be filmed, and was shown in cinemas after the event. Then in 1931, the Derby became the first horse race to be televised live.

“Nearly a century on, we now have over 40 broadcasters, ranging from mainstream TV channels to dedicated sports and horseracing channels, and from news organisations to TV magazine programme makers, all of whom will showcase the Betfred Derby to a worldwide audience, who consume their media in many, varied ways. Many thanks to RMG and HBA Media for securing a record number of broadcasters, which befits the status of this great race.”

Asia and Australia: HKJC, Cable TV, Now TV, TVB (Hong Kong); Green Channel, Netkeiba (Japan); Charlton (Israel); WeDo TV (South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia); FanCode (India); STC (Singapore); Sky Racing, Racing.com, Trackside (Australasia).

Africa and Middle East: Dubai Racing Channel (MENA); SuperSport, Racing 240, Gallop TV (Africa).

Americas and Caribbean: NYRA, FOX Sports*, FanDuel (US); Sportsnet, HPI (Canada); ESPN / Disney+ (South America and Caribbean)

Europe: Eurovision Sport (pan-regional Europe); Viaplay (Netherlands, Scandinavia); Equidia (France); EQUTV, Ippica (Italy); Polsat (Poland); ITV, Racing TV (UK, Republic of Ireland); Setanta (Eurasia & Baltics); Silknet (Georgia); D-Smart, TJK (Turkey); Virgin Media (Republic of Ireland); WeDo TV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria).

Global, News and Magazine Programming: Anuvu (Cruise Ships); Sport 24 (Airlines); CNN International* (News); Reuters* (News); TransWorld Sports* (Magazine Show).

*on delay

Broadcasters have the choice of taking the full World Feed (12.45pm to 4.15pm BST / local), or a condensed Crown Jewels Racing programme (2.30pm to 4.15pm), presented by Aly Vance.

RMG’s own TV channel, Racing TV, will also show the race in 12,000 pubs and clubs in the UK and Ireland. Radio listeners will enjoy extensive live coverage in the UK courtesy of BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT 1 and 2.