Sky Thoroughbred Central channel launch

Sky Racing’s new channel Sky Thoroughbred Central will be launched tomorrow, joining Sky Racing1 and Sky Racing2.

The channel replaces the existing Sky Racing World channel on Channel 521, available in the Essentials / Entertainment Pack. It will also be available on both Sky Racing and TAB’s digital channels in coming weeks.

The first telecast will be this Saturday 21 March for the running of Golden Slipper Day from Rosehill Gardens.

Gerard Patane, general manager Sky Racing Channels, said: “The decision to rebrand our thoroughbred-only channel reflects the recently announced 10-year deal with Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club.

“It was important to create a look and feel immediately identifiable and recognisable in the marketplace.

“Sky Thoroughbred Central will establish the horse as the hero, showcasing what makes thoroughbred racing special and telling more of our great sport’s stories. We aim to provide a quality wagering offering for racing fans, yet deliver it in a manner which will appeal to a broader audience. Over the coming months we will be making a material investment in production, enhancing the viewer experience and demonstrating our commitment to take racing to more people.”

Sky Thoroughbred Central plans to take broadcasting of thoroughbred racing to new heights, combining what punters have loved about previous thoroughbred-only offerings and supported with boutique camera angles, graphical innovation and a strong line-up of expert talent.

Key autumn carnival talent will include Sky Racing regulars Greg Radley, Richard Freedman, Ron Dufficy and Bernie Cooper, alongside new signings Caroline Searcy and Brent Zerafa. Gina Harding, from Channel 4’s At the Races, will join the team for coverage of The Championships. Darren Flindell, who has moved from Hong Kong, will take up the position of chief Sydney race caller, and Glenn Munsie will provide TAB betting updates.

Sky Racing1 (Channel 519) and Sky Racing2 (Channel 520) are the core wagering channels and, combined, provide vision of all thoroughbred, harness and greyhound races that Tabcorp wagers on.