Victorian racing is expected to be broadcast on Channel 78 within days with Racing Victoria set to confirm on Thursday exactly when the Racing Live service will be seen on the digital television station.
Racing Victoria and representatives from Seven West Media have been working closely to get the broadcast up and running since the Victoria Racing Club handed its media rights to RV, allowing the five-year media and broadcast deal to be signed.
The question remains exactly when the first broadcast will be, with a final decision from SWM expected early Thursday before Racing Victoria confirms details.
It would be fitting, given the new channel will be powered by the Racing Live feed on Racing.com, ifRacing.com Park is the first venue to be broadcast on 78. The Pakenham Racing Club venue hosts meetings on Thursday and Friday with a possibility of a debut on either day.
Saturday’s metropolitan meeting is Flemington, which hosts David Bourke Provincial Plate Day, while there are also races at Warrnambool.
Racing in Victoria hasn’t been broadcast on television since June 15, when Sky Racing ended its contract to broadcast. Since then the Racing Live broadcast has been seen through Racing.com, while races are also broadcast on Sportsbet and Crownbet’s digital properties.
A new premium racing channel involving a partnership between Seven West Media and Racing.com is expected to start broadcasting on Channel 78 on August 29.
Before then, the Racing Live broadcast will be shown on Channel 78, which will reach all metropolitan markets through one of the Seven network’s available digital channels.
It is believed a solution for regional digital TV, plus a dedicated Foxtel channel, will be worked on in the coming weeks. More information on this is expected from Racing Victoria on Thursday.