Operator Entain has signed a media rights deal with Arena Racing Company (ARC). 

Entain’s channels and brandd, which contain the likes of Coral, Ladbrokes and Bwin, will gain horse and greyhound racing content.

The deal covers all racing coverage from races at ARC’s 16 racing courses across the UK. It will expand to South African and Australian content from 1 January 2022.

Production and distribution of the races will be controlled by the UK independent bookmaking sector through The Racing Partnership (TRP). 

The joint venture will deliver an optimised UK Greyhound Racing schedule, which will launch on 1 January 2024 until 31 December 2029.

Adrian Bower, Entain CPO, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Arena Racing on such a comprehensive long-term deal that will give certainty to both parties for the benefit of both horse racing and greyhound racing; as well as helping them navigate the Covid challenges and emerge stronger when the world gets back to normal.

“This is a progressive deal for greyhound racing, that will deliver a sustainable programme going forward, support greyhound welfare and deliver more money into the sport.”

Kevin Robertson, MD of Arena Racing’s Media, added: “This deal between Arena Racing and Entain represents a new era of collaboration between the horse and greyhound racing industries and their bookmaker customers.”

“Both Arena Racing and Entain are committed to the future of greyhound racing, and under the new joint venture we will be able to sustain and re-invigorate a sport that has been through significant change over the years.”