A loose Australian connection to an obscure racing nation through an unwanted stallion will be strengthened in a new media rights deal involving Tabcorp.
Morocco will become the latest country to receive coverage of Australian thoroughbred events in broadcasting company Racing1’s push to expand its global distribution network.
In an agreement between an alliance involving Australian wagering firm Tabcorp and governing body Société Royale d’Encouragement du Cheval (SOREC), international racing will be beamed into Morocco across digital and retail channels.
Australian racing is a part of that package among 72,000 races Tabcorp subsidiary Sky Racing broadcasts and imports each year.
Racing1 has been formed between Tabcorp and three other cornerstone partners.
The Racecourse Media Group (RMG), 1/ST CONTENT and Arena Racing Company (ARC) complete the collaboration in a media rights agreement that aims to deliver a global platform for horse racing.
ARC operates 16 racecourses and five greyhound tracks in the UK while RMG distributes broadcast rights for another 35 racecourses in the UK.
1/ST CONTENT, also known as The Stronach Group, is the largest rights holder of horse racing content in North America.
Besides around-the-clock racing broadcasts, the alliance also provides data and wagering options and it was instrumental in Tabcorp completing a deal to have racing from Turkiye added to Australian TAB coverage from early 2025.
Morocco borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and has a population of 37 million.
The workings of its small-scale thoroughbred industry were put in the spotlight after Giga Kick won the 2022 Everest when it was revealed the sprinter’s sire Scissor Kick was standing in the north African country.
Bren O’Brien
After his export from Arrowfield Stud to France, Scissor Kick arrived in Morocco where he stands for about AU$1000 at the Haras National de Bouznika, a stud halfway between Casablanca and the capital Rabat.
Casablanca's two-day gala meeting, the Morocco International, features a mix of thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian racing.
It celebrated its 10th edition this month, attracting runners from across Europe.
“Transcending international boundaries, Racing1 is untying the tangled worldwide web of racing rights, while simultaneously bringing data-led innovation that dramatically deepens fans’ engagement,” Racing1 spokesperson Simon Fraser said.
“Our goal is to improve access and international interest in horse racing at a time when the sport is facing certain regulatory headwinds.
“It’s a great way to help global operators engage new and under-served audiences by delivering 24/7 horse racing.
“And, in this instance of Morocco … international racing is now both complementing their domestic cards and also being broadcast at peak evening viewing slots.
“It’s all part of our wider strategic alliance promise to return better value to racing’s key stakeholders through more and more international deals."
“It’s a great way to help global operators engage new and under-served audiences by delivering 24/7 horse racing." - Simon Fraser
Racing1 confirmed the announcement at the recent Association des Lotteries d'Afrique (ALA) Conference in Marrakesh which drew 12 African delegations, including representatives from national lotteries and government ministries.
In a continent where football is king, Racing1 says there is now an emerging opportunity for north and west African operators and their customers to be introduced to more worldwide racing.
Warwick Barr
“This partnership with Racing1 is a milestone for Moroccan horse racing fans, offering unprecedented access to the excitement of international horse racing and enriching their understanding of the sport,” SOREC chief executive Omar Skalli said.
“With daily coverage from top racing regions like the UK, North America and Australia via SOREC networks, our audience can now experience the thrill of the world’s most prestigious racetracks.”
