8 Oct 2011

QIPCO British Champions Day goes global

QIPCO British Champions Day is set to be beamed around the world. 

BBC Worldwide has licensed QIPCO British Champions Day 2011, the richest day in British racing history at Ascot a week today, to a raft of international broadcasters ensuring the event will be seen in 75 countries globally ahead of Sportel Monaco 2011.

Sportel Monaco, when the world’s major broadcasters meet to sell rights and strike broadcasting deals, starts on Monday and that is likely to see further countries added to the list.

Confirmed broadcasters already include the Dubai Sports Channel, SuperSport, Ten Sports, Sport 5 Israel & NHK Japan.

Danny O’Toole, Head of Sport at BBC Worldwide, commented on the deal: “This is an exciting time for British Flat racing, and with the racing calendar rejuvenated, QIPCO British Champions Day promises to be a major television event for international broadcasters.

"We’re delighted that these sales have already guaranteed it a substantial global audience, and expect to see more deals closed soon at Sportel.”

Nick Smith, Head of Communications & International Racing at Ascot also welcomed the deals, saying: “QIPCO British Champions Day has the potential to rival USA’s Breeder’s Cup, UAE’s Dubai World Cup and France’s Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe as the one of the most important events in international racing and we’re excited to see broadcasters giving it the platform it deserves around the world.”

In addition, around 40 countries will be taking a betting shop feed of the day.

These include the following Tote markets: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Holland, Hong Kong, Malta, New Zealand, Spain, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, USA and Uruguay.

Fixed odds markets include the following countries/regions: Austria, Belgium, Caribbean, (North) Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Gibraltar, Gulf States, Kenya, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Sri Lanka and Uganda.

The day promises one of the best Flat racing cards that Britain has ever seen with stars like Frankel, Immortal Verse, Excelebration, Nathaniel, So You Think, Twice Over, Midday, Reliable Man, Blue Bunting, Dancing Rain, Moonlight Cloud, Deacon Blues, Society Rock, Fame And Glory and Opinion Poll all likely to feature amongst the five day confirmations on Monday morning.

The Premier Enclosure has sold out, but Grandstand admission tickets remain on sale at the advance booking price of £23.40.  To book via Ascot, CLICK HERE.