France Galop chief expresses delight at landing ITV Arc deal

The supremo of French racing has praised ITV for "outstanding" work since it returned to the sport in Britain as he expressed delight at securing a deal with the broadcaster for live coverage of this year's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Enable's bid for Arc glory will be available to the biggest possible audience after ITV gave Europe's most prestigious Flat race a home on its main channel and returned the contest to mainstream television.

With the Arc now only two weeks away, hopes had faded that ITV would bolster its exclusive British rights contract with the eagerly-anticipated Chantilly showpiece.

However, in recent weeks talks have been ongoing between ITV and France Galop, which last year signed up Sky Sports on a one-off arrangement after Channel 4 decided not to devote a slot to the Arc in the final stages of its relationship with racing.

France Galop chief executive Olivier Delloye said: "I am delighted that ITV is broadcasting the 2017 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

"ITV has done an outstanding job since it took over the coverage of racing in Britain. We are glad our flagship race is now part of its offering.

"With Chantilly hosting the Arc for the last year before we return to Longchamp, this race will undoubtedly be historic. Thanks to ITV's knowhow, British viewers will be able to enjoy a high-quality live broadcast."

That broadcast is expected begin at 1pm and incorporate four live races, culminating in the Arc, this year provisionally scheduled to start at 3.05pm.

Due to the deal having been signed at a late stage, hosts Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will present coverage from a London studio. Oli Bell is charged with interviewing connections at Chantilly, from where commentator Richard Hoiles will call the action.

ITV will be making its debut at the Arc, which has only had free-to-air coverage on the BBC and Channel 4.

As in previous years, At The Races – for which Matt Chapman will be on duty at Chantilly – and Racing UK are set to show all the Group 1 races on the Arc card.

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