HRI boosts coverage of Irish racing with RTÉ agreement

Marking the return of racing, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has secured a new broadcast agreement with Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) to boost the coverage of the sport.

As part of the agreement, RTÉ confirmed that it will be launching a series of new one-hour evening programmes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in June and early July.

Coverage will be presented by Hugh Cahill with guest analysts joining regulars Jane Mangan, Ted Walsh and Ruby Walsh.

Group Head of Sport at RTÉ, Declan McBennett, added: “Live Sport is an integral part of Irish life and RTÉ Sport is delighted that it is returning across all RTÉ platforms. For everything that it brings in terms of physical exercise, mental wellbeing, social and community cohesion and economic stimulation the benefit of sport will again be appreciated by all.

“Horse Racing in this country is a key component of that and Horse Racing Ireland are to be commended for getting racing back in a safe and responsible manner.”

Earlier this month, Irish racing was given the green light to return behind closed doors, with fixtures permitted from 8 June.

In accordance with government guidelines, only key personnel necessary to run the fixture will be permitted to be on-site, and will be subject to a health survey and thermal temperature screening on entry.

Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of HRI, said: “RTÉ has always been very supportive of racing in Ireland and today’s announcement confirms that commitment. The new one-hour evening programmes are an opportunity for Irish racing to attract people to our sport and educate those new fans on what makes racing so exciting.

“We appreciate the flexibility shown by the RTÉ team around the new dates for the Irish Guineas in June and really look forward to their live coverage of our opening Classics, as well as this new departure.”