Racing TV coverage will be available for free on the ITVX platform on Friday from 1600-1830 as part of a new trial designed to give ITV viewers the chance to continue watching the sport after the main terrestrial output has concluded.
The hope is that more casual followers of the sport will take the opportunity to get a taste of the action at other meetings, which this Friday will include racing from Galway, Newmarket and Musselburgh.
An RMG spokesperson said: “RMG is always keen to innovate and explore new ways in which racing can be brought to a different audience. Working in collaboration with ITV, we are making available to ITVX the Racing TV feed after ITV comes off air from Goodwood at 4pm on Friday.
“It means viewers can watch the final three races from Goodwood, alongside the opening races of the evening fixtures at Musselburgh, Newmarket and Galway, in the 4pm to 6.30pm slot on ITVX.
“ITVX is a growing platform for ITV, especially among the younger demographic, which is more accustomed to watching streamed content, rather than traditional linear broadcasts. As well as a potential new audience, the platform could be attractive in terms of expanding ITV’s coverage of racing down the line.
“It also gives viewers a taste of what Racing TV can offer, especially in its first-rate treatment of the major festivals, and we’re hopeful it will also lead to increased betting interest.
“It’s only a trial, so we’re very open-minded as to how it will go, but it hopefully will be a positive move in expanding the reach of the sport. There are two further trials planned for Wednesday, August 21 of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival from York (1630-1900) and then a programme dedicated to all seven races from the Friday of Ayr’s Gold Cup meeting on September 20.”