Racing TV explains Cazoo Derby split screen decision after backlash

Racing TV has pointed to “the continuing issue of races not going off on time” when seeking to explain why Saturday’s Cazoo Derby was shown on a split screen with a mile fillies’ maiden at Listowel.

The Derby went off at 4.38pm at Epsom, eight minutes after its scheduled start time, with Listowel’s 4.37pm beginning ten seconds afterwards, meaning viewers on RTV’s main channel had to watch the Classic in a small screen to accommodate the live feed from Listowel.

Those watching on RTV’s main channel, rather than on Racing TV Extra or ITV Racing, expressed their frustration on social media at the Derby being made to share space with another contest.

A spokesman for Racecourse Media Group, parent company of RTV, said the channel had made efforts to assist with races not clashing, but added that more work needed to be done with contests too frequently not going off at their scheduled times.

“Racing TV has worked hard to assist racecourses and the governing bodies on reducing clashes and was instrumental in introducing non-standardised times,” said the spokesman.

“Racing TV is committed to showing every race live from the UK and Ireland and, unfortunately, the Derby ended up clashing with Listowel. While viewers can watch dedicated streams from each racecourses on Racing TV Extra, we appreciate that a lot of people like to watch the main output.

“Clashes are sometimes unavoidable and delays are subject to unforeseen circumstances, like at Epsom but, that said, we need to work with everyone in addressing the continuing issue of races not going off on time. When races don't go off on time, the betting opportunities are reduced and it compromises the viewing experience.”

A 41-minute gap between Listowel's sixth and seventh race had been designed to give spacing around the world-famous Classic.

Listowel Race Company chairman Pat Healy said: "Our secretary's office had no official correspondence from anyone requesting to delay the start of our seventh race here on Saturday."

There was also frustration over the move among racegoers and officials at Tramore.

Having scheduled Saturday's card to begin earlier than usual at 12.45pm, and concluded racing at 4.10pm in order to avoid a clash with the Classic at 4.30pm, Tramore manager Owen Byrne described the incident as "a bit ridiculous".

Byrne said: "We did everything to try to accommodate the coverage, and I think that's only right given the race it is – we have no problem rowing in behind it.

"When we go to the trouble of extending our day and broadcasting the race so that people can stay here and watch the Derby – spending more money in doing so – to see it go up as a split-screen was a bit ridiculous.

"I know Listowel needs to have coverage of its race, but at the same time this is the Derby. If there's going to be a clash, I feel something has to give. We had racegoers asking what was going on with the split-screen."

Byrne added: "Logistically we had to keep [television services firm] IRIS here for a period of time after racing, and we brought in a large screen for our two days of racing here on Friday and Saturday.

"We don't typically do that for this meeting, but we brought it in because we wanted people to have a good day and to be able to watch the Derby. It's just frustrating and I'm sure there's a way it could be managed. I think people have to be able to react to these things on the ground and roll with it."

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