RACING UK, which was integral to the decision that gave Channel 4 exclusive terrestrial rights to British racing from next year, could also have a role in the production of the network's coverage.
As the bidding process to take on a contract held by Highflyer Productions since 1984 approaches a conclusion, Racing UK said it had received a number of inquiries for its expertise from some of the *parties hoping to provide *content, but clarified it was not directly involved in any of the bids.
Racing UK's parent company Racecourse Media Group led the rights bidding process that resulted in Channel 4 securing the four-year deal to screen UK racing, in the process ending BBC Television's six-decade *association with the sport.
Highflyer, Sunset+Vine, which produces the BBC's racing *coverage, IMG, North One T*elevision and SIS/At The Races are the five bidders vying for a £7 million-a-year contract,* *pitching for which was completed last week. Racing UK opened a state-of-the-art HD-ready facility in Ealing, London, in February, a resource that could be available to any successful bidder.
Spokesman Seb Vance said: "We have responded to points on information and infrastructure support from various bidders, but the process is a Channel 4 process and it's not appropriate for us to make any further *comment."