Racing could be axed from TV in Ireland ‘within weeks’ due to Government’s new bill

RACING could be axed from TV in Ireland ‘within weeks’ – due to a new Government bill that is all set to be passed.

Sky Sports and Racing TV have previously warned that new legislation against gambling adverts could render the channels ‘economically unviable’.

GettyRacing fans could be robbed of the chance to see superstars such as Galopin Des Champs in action should the new bill be passed[/caption]

Alarm bells first started ringing in July last year when the two dedicated racing channels threatened to pull all coverage.

That was in response to a Gambling Regulation Bill which proposed to ban all gambling ads on TV between 5.30am and 9pm.

James Browne, the minister of state at the department of justice, is said to be ‘anxious’ to move the bill forward.

And a report in the Racing Post quoted a spokesperson for the minister saying he is ‘hopeful that the bill will be enacted in the coming weeks’.

This despite some senators lobbying for racing channels to have an exemption to the blanket ban.

However, a quote attributed to a spokesperson for Browne added: “If we were to give two TV stations a monopoly on gambling advertising into the country, it would not survive under competition law.”

Sky Sports Racing’s former boss Matthew Imi railed against the proposed measures last year.

He said: “Uniquely, as compared to other sports, horse racing and betting go hand in hand.

“A significant amount of advertising on our specialist horse racing channel and, indeed, on competitor racing channels, is betting-related.

“If this proposed watershed ban on gambling advertising goes ahead as drafted, it could have a devastating impact on such dedicated horse racing channels.

“It’s our view that such a ban may render Sky Sports Racing economically unviable in Ireland if the option for bookmaker advertising and sponsorship support is no longer open to us.”

While outgoing Racecourse Media Group CEO Martin Stevenson said at the time: “There would be substantial economic and operational challenges in ceasing to carry gambling advertising, sponsorships, and branding on Racing TV.

“It is likely to mean that it ceases to be viable to continue broadcasting in Ireland.”

The aim of the bill is to protect vulnerable people and children from gambling-associated harm.

But Sky Sports Racing say 97 per cent of its viewership is over 24 and the channel is ‘aimed at adults and not at children or young people’.

If the bill is not changed or concessions are not made for racing channels then punters could be starved of seeing some of the sport’s biggest names in action.

Willie Mullins was crowned champion jumps trainer in Britain and Ireland last season and is readying his big guns for the start of the new National Hunt season.

The biggest trainer in the game runs his best horses in Ireland before shipping them over to Britain for the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals.

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