MUMBAI: BBC Sport has announced that it has awarded the contract to produce over 60 hours of horse racing coverage to Sunset+Vine.
The two year contract will see Sunset+Vine producing coverage from Aintree, Ascot, Chepstow, Epsom, Goodwood, Haydock, and Uttoxeter for BBC One and BBC Two. The production of the Grand National, The Derby and Royal Ascot will stay with BBC Sport production.
Sunset+Vine is owned by The Television Corporation. It claims to have a strong track record in live innovative sport production. The company produces Channel 4 Cricket, which has so far won 17 industry awards. It also produces Five's entire sports coverage. Sunset+Vine also owns Hawk-Eye. The award winning ball-tracking technology now used worldwide for tennis and cricket coverage.
BBC's general sport head Barbara Slater said, "In the face of fierce competition, Sunset+Vine produced a thoroughly impressive bid. Their commitment to collaborative working, innovation and creativity is second to none and we believe that they are the right partners to work with in continuing the BBC's high standards of racing coverage.'
The BBC has been reviewing its independent quota as it ensures it meets the statutory obligation to commission at least 25 per cent of its television programmes from independent producers. Putting horse racing out to an independent production company will see BBC Sport substantially increase its contribution to this target. A company release stated that the move will have no impact on the number of hours of horse racing broadcast.