One of Europe’s most prestigious Flat races will return to terrestrial television this year after Channel 4 confirmed it has picked up the rights to screen the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
British racing’s sole terrestrial broadcaster has agreed a multi-year deal with rights holder France Galop and plans to show Europe’s most valuable Flat prize, plus several of the major Group 1 support races on Sunday, October 6.
Last year’s Arc was the first in many years not shown on free-to-air television after the BBC, its traditional partner, dropped the Longchamp showpiece due to low ratings, coupled with the corporation’s loss of all horse racing rights to Channel 4.
Despite having the option to show it the 2012, Channel 4 decided against picking up the event and the race was broadcast on specialist racing channels Racing UK and At The Races.
Channel 4 previously televised the race from 1986 to 1994 and again in 2001.
Following its acquisition of exclusive racing rights, the broadcaster had stated its desire to take up the event from 2013 onwards.
The length of the new multi-year has not been specified.
A message on Channel 4 Racing’s twitter feed said: “The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe returns to terrestrial television! Will be shown LIVE ON CHANNEL 4 on Sunday 6th October.”
The broadcaster covered its first ever Grand National and Royal Ascot this year after taking over all terrestrial horse racing rights from the BBC.
Channel 4’s sports editor Jamie Aitchison told the Racing Post: “Once we signed the deal to become British racing’s exclusive terrestrial broadcaster we made clear that we wanted to show the Arc.
“It was the one great European races that we didn’t have and by showing it our viewers will get to see the top horses that have been racing on Channel 4 throughout the season.”
Clare Balding and Nick Luck will be in Paris to present all the drama and glamour from Europe’s richest horse race as Channel 4 screens the race for the first time in 12 years.
There are almost five million euros to be won in a race in which many of the sport’s immortals – including Mill Reef, Dancing Brave, Peintre Celebre and Sea the Stars – have previously triumphed.
This season’s running promises to be one of the greatest of recent times, with many challengers from Britain, Ireland and Japan taking on the French stars.
Four Group One races will be shown live as part of Channel 4’s coverage, including the feature race at 3.15pm, with commentary by Simon Holt and analysis from Mick Fitzgerald.
Sunday 6th October
Channel 4 Racing: Prix d Arc de Triomphe
LIVE: 1.00pm-3.45pm Channel 4
Race Card 1:20 Total Prix Marcel Boussac – Criterium des Pouliches 1:55 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere 2:30 Prix de l’Opera Longines 3:15 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
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