iam Hill and The Racing Partnership (TRP) have agreed on a long-term media rights deal. The deal will commence from 1 January , with TRP coverage being shown in William Hill’s 2,371 UK betting shops.

This deal marks the first time the company has obtained media rights directly from racecourses rather than via an intermediary.

The partnership states that William Hill will buy betting shop media rights from TRP, which represents 15 Arena Racing Company (ARC) owned racecourse and seven independent racecourses.

ARC Chief Executive, Martin Cruddace says: “ARC and its independent partner racecourse are delighted to be part of a truly groundbreaking deal with William Hill. We have a clear vision of wanting to create the most efficient deal for all parties, based on content that has real value, and we believe we have achieved just that with this deal.

“We are committed to working with William Hill to develop, improve and deliver the racing product that their customers want. It is essential for the long-term health of British Racing that there is a strong and vibrant retail betting sector.”

Interim Chief Executive at William Hill, Philip Bowcock adds: “As a result of this agreement William Hill customers will continue to enjoy the full range of horse racing coverage from the UK and abroad.

“This agreement continues to evolve the commercial partnership between betting and racing as this represents the first time William Hill has entered into a direct media rights agreement with racecourses. I look forward to working with The Racing Partnership to ensure William Hill betting shop customers get the best possible racing service.”