Tasracing has extended its broadcast partnership with Sky Racing and Tabcorp for another five years, stretching the agreement until the end of 2030, with a proviso for some thoroughbred racing to appear free-to-air.
With its previous agreement with Sky set to run out at the end of 2025, Tasracing has opted to renew with the Tabcorp-owned rights holder, while there have been new terms added to the contract.
This includes for the first time the ability for SKY to on-sell Tasracing’s digital rights.
It also includes the opportunity for a selection of thoroughbred meetings to be broadcast on a free-to-air platform, such as the Racing Victoria-owned Racing.com.
“Coverage of Tasmanian racing on SKY is critical to the sustainability of racing in our state,” Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said.
“The deal extension, digital rights and limited free-to-air inclusion are excellent outcomes for our racing industry and ensure our many fans and punters can see our star horses, greyhounds and participants on their screen of choice.
“It also provides an opportunity for Tasracing to provide customers across Australia with easy access to Tasmanian racing product that will assist to maintain and increase our race field fee income.”
The commercial terms of the deal were not released but it would have taken into consideration the impending ban on greyhound racing in the state from 2029.
According to the most recent Tasracing annual report, greyhound racing makes up 154 of the 318 annual race meetings held in Tasmania.
The Rockliff government, who made the shock announcement about the future of greyhound racing in August, is in the process of renegotiating the industry's funding deed, which expires in the middle of 2029.
“We’re thrilled to extend our long-standing partnership with Tasracing and continue to be trusted as the exclusive distributor of Tasmanian thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing vision globally,” GM Commercial and Media at Tabcorp. Bronte Campbell, said:
“Sky is Australia’s leading racing network, broadcasting more than 150,000 races live each year, and this partnership will ensure Tasmanian racing is beamed to the world.”
Minister for Racing Jane Howlett said the new deal would ensure Tasmanian racing product is seen across Australia and around the world.
“From our Summer Racing Festival to our regional meetings, this extension will ensure Tasmanian racing product is widely available,” she said.
“We welcome the support and confidence in our industry from Sky and Tabcorp.”
