ITV report drop in viewing figures for Derby meeting at Epsom

There was mixed news for ITV Racing on Tuesday as on the same day it announced that every race at Royal Ascot next week will be shown live on its channels, the broadcaster also reported seemingly disappointing viewing figures for its coverage of last weekend's Derby meeting at Epsom.

There will be a daily five-hour show from Royal Ascot on ITV or ITV4, but the channel will be hoping for an upturn in viewing figures after revealing that the Friday and Saturday at Epsom were down on previous years when the fixture was held over two days.

The peak viewing figure on Derby day was 1.312 million – down from 1.742 million in 2019 and 1.788 million in 2018 – while the average viewing figure was down to 731,000 from 796,000 in 2019 and 935,000 in 2018. However, the audience share, at 12.8 per cent, was higher than 2019 and only marginally below 2018.

Oaks day attracted a peak viewing figure of 889,000 and was slightly down compared to the high of 898,000 in 2019, but up from 864,000 in 2018. The average viewing figure was 578,000 – again slightly below the figure for two years ago, but higher than in 2018.

The Derby and Oaks achieved a peak of 2.288m and 1.536m respectively in 2020 as well as average figures of 1.202m. Both races took place on the same day due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Crowds of some capacity will return to Royal Ascot next weekCredit: Edward Whitaker

ITV will show all 35 races at Royal Ascot next week on the main channel or ITV4, with racing switching between the pair to accommodate broadcasting of the delayed Euro 2020 football tournament.

The coverage of Royal Ascot, which runs from Tuesday, June 15 to Saturday, June 19, will begin at 1.30pm through to 6.30pm.

The Opening Show will also be broadcast between 9-10am from Tuesday until Friday, before switching to a 9.30-10.30am slot on the Saturday.

Usual hosts Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will lead the coverage, and Chamberlin said: "With some of the crowds back, the atmosphere will return to Royal Ascot and we will ensure viewers at home won't miss a thing with every race covered in a five-hour show every day."

ITV's live coverage will be simulcast on the ITV Hub for web and app, and on the ITV Racing website.

Check out the Racing Post Royal Ascot microsite for the latest tips and odds for the royal meeting. The best Royal Ascot betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.

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