UK and Ireland horse racing fixtures have secured breakthrough coverage for the Indian market via a new media rights distribution deal struck between Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC). 

The ground-breaking deal will see the heritage RCTC racetrack enable its visitors to watch and bet on fixtures broadcast by RMG of 34 UK racecourses and 26 Irish venues – powered by Sports Information Services’ (SIS) feed.

Furthermore, RMG content will be streamed live for pari-mutuel (tote) betting on the RCTC digital platform of  betindiaraces.com for mobile and web users.

Harish Ramchandani, Chief Steward at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, said: “The Royal Calcutta Turf Club, one of the oldest race clubs in the world, is delighted to work with Racecourse Media Group in bringing horse racing from British and Irish racecourses. 

“Indian horseracing enthusiasts are appreciative of high-quality international racing for wagering and live viewing, at their fingertips and while on the go. Racing is a very popular sport the world over and we look forward to growing its audience in India.”

RCTC’s coverage will include grade-1 races from RMG UK partners including Epsom Downs, Newmarket, York and Goodwood, whilst SIS will provide Ireland’s racing classics from Curragh and Leopardstown made available to Indian racing enthusiasts for the first time ever.

Last July, RMG was renewed as lead media rights distributor for UK racecourses for all licensed betting offices (LBO) –  with the firm being specifically tasked to bolster UK racing’s coverage with international racing organisations.   

Ian Houghton, Director of International at RMG, said: “With many of the real highlights of the Flat season taking place in UK and Ireland, it’s a great time to launch, plus it dovetails well with the Indian racing season, which starts again now.

“Initial turnover levels are encouraging, and we are looking forward to working closely with Royal Calcutta Turf Club to help build awareness and understanding of UK and Irish racing.”