Hammond: racing is a thrilling sport and that's what we intend to portray

The broadcasting career of Alex Hammond went full circle on Wednesday as Sky Sports Racing’s lead presenter expressed her delight at returning to a familiar role.

Hammond started her presenting career on The Racing Channel in 1998, and following its demise five years later joined Sky Sports News, since when she has been a familiar face to viewers.

Hammond has been a mainstay on Good Morning Sports Fans in recent years and will be part of broadcasting history when presenting Sky Sports Racing's landmark first coverage of action at Fakenham and Southwell on January 1.

She said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to work at Sky Sports Racing, and horseracing is very much close to my heart. Racing presenting is where I started out so it’s really exciting to be back and I have a great passion for the sport.

"There’s such opportunity at Sky for racing to widen its audience, and cross-promotion with the other huge sports that Sky cover can help broaden it.

"A lot of the content will be very familiar from At The Races and we intend to keep the friendly, upbeat, happy and approachable type of broadcast that viewers are used to seeing.

"I’ve been at Sky for 16 years and, while it’s emotional to leave Sky Sports News, I’m very much looking forward to the challenge ahead."

A selection of the Sky Sports Racing team (left to right): Freddy Tylicki, Hayley Moore, Jason Weaver, Alex Hammond, Mick Fitzgerald and Luke HarveyCredit: Jack Haynes

Passion for the sport will be portrayed by Sky Sports Racing’s wide array of presenters and pundits and there is no doubting Hammond’s love for all things equine.

Hammond, 44, said: "I’m a horse lover first and foremost but there are so many different elements to racing, whether you’re a horse lover, gambler or just love sport.

"It’s exciting and regular. A football team might play once or twice a week, whereas you can see racing every single day. It’s a real fix for people who love it. It’s a thrilling sport and that’s what we intend to portray to our viewers.”

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