Landmark free-to-air TV deal for Brisbane racing

Saturday racing in Brisbane will be shown live on free-to-air television alongside Sydney and Melbourne, in a landmark deal after discussions involving Brisbane Racing Club, Sky Channel and Channel 7.

Under the deal, which will kick off this Saturday, the summer and winter carnivals in Queensland will be shown at a minimum, with the expectations that will organically grow to most Saturday’s.

Queensland’s swimming superstar Steph Rice will host the coverage from Eagle Farm on Saturday, with the broadcaster going head-to-head with Channel 10’s Flemington coverage of Derby Day.

“It is a huge step in the right direction and it is great for Queensland racing as a whole,” Brisbane Racing Club chief executive Tony Partridge said.

“We are guaranteed at least summer and winter and we will work with Channel 7, New South Wales and Victoria to increase that number.”

Steph Rice will host the Brisbane racing coverage. Picture: Mark Cranitch

Victorian racing will return to Channel 7 following Melbourne Cup week which Channel 10 have the rights for.

It comes after the BRC last year inked a 10-year deal with Sky Channel after protracted negotiations with possible suitors.

While Channel 7 has previously showcased Group 1 days along with the Magic Millions in Queensland, the most recent developments will see regular Saturday meetings added to the mix along with all feature days.

It is hoped the added free-to-air exposure can boost turnover in the Sunshine State which is already on record pace.

“Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on the same channel is utopia for punters,” Partridge said.

“A large majority – almost three quarters roughly – of our punters come from Sydney and Melbourne. For that reason, it is a significant deal for Queensland racing.”

The new deal was originally due to kick off in December but with Channel 10 taking the Flemington carnival, 7 was keen to have Brisbane racing sit alongside the Golden Eagle day coverage.