How despite presenting from a deserted Ascot, ITV showcased its sincere backing for racing once again

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Yesterday was perhaps one of those occasions when not being at the course to witness one of Europe’s biggest racedays didn’t leave you feeling like you had missed out.

Longchamp was not at its finest with rain falling and low cloud obscuring the Parisian skyline, a stark contrast to the warm sunshine and brilliant blue skies under which Ace Impact won last year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Anyone who was not at Longchamp and wished to watch the action building up to the great race, and the race itself, was able to do so in Britain on terrestrial television courtesy of ITV Racing, a fact I feel warrants a few moments of consideration today.

If I wanted to watch the Champions League last week, or if I had been prepared to subject myself to another demoralising Southampton performance in the Premier League, I would have had to pay for it. Same with England taking on Pakistan in the cricket this week.

Yet, if you wanted to watch one of the best days of racing in the world Flat racing calendar, you were able to do so without any strings attached. The presentation was strong, humorous and brought in a flavour of what it was like on the ground with Oli Bell marauding around the paddock.

It takes a certain amount of commitment to broadcast three hours of racing from a deserted Ascot on a Sunday when viewership is unlikely to be blockbuster. There was no superstar in the Arc this year, unlike when Enable was bidding for multiple wins under Frankie Dettori, for all that yesterday’s winner, Bluestocking, was a worthy champion.

Bluestocking: a brilliant winner of the Prix de l'Arc de TriompheCredit: Alan Crowhurst

There was no hint of phoning it in from the presenters at Ascot either. Creating enthusiasm and energy tucked away in the corner of an empty stadium is not easily done, but there was no sense of presenting under duress from Francesca Cumani, Adele Mulrennan, Matt Chapman and Ed Chamberlin.

I found it notable that during the coverage, where pictures of the race were provided by a local broadcaster, there were times Chamberlin was picking up on what was being shown and thinking about how it could be applied in Britain. 

Two examples were the scout camera angle used at the end of the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere (would be an excellent addition to ITV coverage) and the orderliness of the pre-Arc parade (more hassle than they are worth, in my experience).

The last few days have acted as a reminder of how racing and ITV have come to benefit each other, and that it is a genuine partnership out to provide mutual prosperity.

This may be best exemplified by the decision to crowbar in next month’s Breeders’ Cup to the ITV schedule.

It could be argued ITV has broadcast the meeting before and not doing so this year would have been an oversight considering City Of Troy’s participation.

City Of Troy: ITV will now show his much anticipated Breeders' Cup Classic bidCredit: Edward Whitaker

However, rather than a shrug of the shoulders and a ‘that’s the way it goes’ attitude, time has been found and viewers will get the chance to watch City Of Troy attempt to win the Classic on terrestrial television. It probably won’t be one of the most watched broadcasts ITV Racing produce in 2024 either, but the simple fact is they understand the importance of doing so, like with the Arc.

That is not to say that everything ITV Racing does works or is above scrutiny. Equally, the amount of criticism that comes its way seems undue.

I have certainly felt coverage of the betting ring lacks authority and that there is a chumminess with participants that is a bit over the top at times. More effort, particularly around the big meetings, to build up stories on the horses and the people involved in races, as they do so brilliantly in the US at the Breeders’ Cup, would enhance the programme considerably.

Maybe that is something that will be worked on through the jumps season as we wait to see whether a second series of docu-series Champions: Full Gallop is commissioned or not.

Discussions continue to take place between Racecourse Media Group, Flutter Entertainment, ITV and South Shore Productions about renewing the programme, according to sources, with those involved having seen some distinct positives, especially from the early episodes, as well as things that could be made better.

A second series would be another sign of ITV's commitment to broadcasting racing for free, something that should never be undervalued.

Who Am I?

Today's clue:

 "After my final race, the Racing Post ran a caption competition underneath a picture of me at my home stables, with three or four people grouped around me, stroking me and looking serious. The winning entry, a bit surreal for my taste, was something like: 'I'm sure no one will notice if we stick his head back on like this.' It was an allusion to the fact that, having been a dominant force that summer, I'd just run poorly when odds-on for what is always a hot race. These things happen, of course. Contrary to the fears of whoever wrote that caption, I had a lovely, long retirement." 

It's the start of a new week in our 'Who Am I?' quiz, based around a different racing personality each week. We'll give you a new clue every day, with the answer revealed on Friday.

Think you know who it is? Email frontrunner@racingpost.com to say who. I'll give a mention to everyone who gets it right.

Congratulations to Michael Bailey, who was first to realise that last week's clues outlined the various Arc experiences of legendary jockey Pat Eddery. 

Three things to look out for today

1. Kaiya Fraser and Rebecca Menzies has been one of the link-ups of the Flat season in Britain, with the trainer-jockey combination seeking to add to their successes at Pontefract today. Fraser had not ridden for Menzies before this season, but since teaming up together they have had nine winners from 20 runners with a further five finishing in the places. Their £1 level-stake profit is an impressive £37.17, so clearly they are a partnership worth keeping on side with. Fraser has just the one ride for Menzies today, Game Breaker in the first division of the 6f handicap (4.45).

Game Breaker16:45 Pontefract

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Jky: Kaiya Fraser (3lb)Tnr: Rebecca Menzies

2. During Glorious Goodwood, news emerged that Syd Hosie no longer had a licence to train and that the running of what had been his yard in Dorset would be taken on by Tony Charlton. The managing director of drainage firm Sherbourne Utilities, Hosie had transitioned to training having initially owned horses and enjoyed success with the likes of Rock My Way. Hosie returns for the first time as an owner at Stratford today when Nadim lines up in a 2m3½f novice handicap chase (5.02) having left Charlton to join Daisy Hitchins. 

Nadim17:02 Stratford

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Jky: Mr Robbie David (7lb)Tnr: Daisy Hitchins

3. Big Evs is likely nearing the end of his career with the top-class sprinter set to head to the Breeders’ Cup in California next month amid the expectation he will then head to stud. However, while he may not be racing for too much longer, his half-sister, Queen Of The Roses, starts out on her journey as a racehorse today when she contests a 7f fillies’ novice stakes (6.00) at Wolverhampton. By Ribchester, Queen Of The Roses races for the same trainer as Big Evs, Mick Appleby, for owner-breeder Jaber Abdullah.

Queen Of The Roses18:00 Wolverhampton (A.W)

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Jky: Hollie Doyle Tnr: Michael Appleby

Read these next:

'They could be a Cup horse in future' - expert analysis of this year's Arc 

What's on this week: attention on Fillies' Mile, Dewhurst and Cesarewitch at Newmarket and Chepstow's jumps season opener 

'She's changed my life' - brilliant Bluestocking propels Ryan, Beckett and Juddmonte to Arc history 

The Front Runner is our unmissable email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, the reigning Racing Writer of the Year, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday. Not a Members' Club Ultimate subscriber? Click here to join today and also receive our Ultimate Daily emails plus our full range of fantastic website and newspaper content.