TVN racing broadcast deal will spur some changes

EXPECT some major changes at TVN now that Racing NSW has its place at the table.

EXPECT some major changes at TVN now that Racing NSW has its place at the table.

A formal agreement to aggregate the media rights of NSW and Victorian racing was signed last Monday, delivering TVN broadcast rights until 2028.

In a somewhat cryptic press release, Racing NSW Chairman John Messara said the agreement would allow racing to be showcased in "optimal fashion".

"We are united in our quest to fully exploit racing's valuable media assets in the best interests of our wonderful industry," he said.

Messara was a little evasive when questioned by Radio TAB's Steve Hewlett last week on whether there would be staff changes.

Estimates suggest TVN costs in the vicinity of $15 million annually to broadcast racing.

Some board members are keen to see that haemorrhaging cease, with the most desirable outcome being Tabcorp's SKY Racing to come up with additional money to secure the vision and for TVN to merely be a distributor.

If that doesn't eventuate, TVN would continue broadcasting racing, but under a much tighter editorial policy designed to rein in some of its presenters.

A move back to SKY would be welcomed by many in Queensland, who would love to see Brisbane racing sit alongside Sydney and Melbourne on a premium channel.

It's no secret a heated debate took place in the BRC boardroom before the club eventually opted to stay with SKY rather than go with a bigger - but less secure - offer from TVN.

FRIENDS recalled Howard Wilson's ability to always unearth a handy horse, following the Gold Coast trainer's passing on Saturday.

Wilson, 82, suffered a heart attack at his Gold Coast stables.

Noel Doyle trained alongside Wilson from the time he arrived at the Coast from Kembla Grange.

"Myself, Harold Norman and Howard used to knock around a bit together," Doyle said. "He could always get his hands on a good horse. He was very well respected."

Top horses trained by Wilson included Shining Wind, Rancho's Classic, Bassie's Pride and dual stakes winning two-year-old Domino.

Wayne Wilson, who had known the trainer for 40 years, said he had a great reputation for being a real horseman.

"He mixed his passion for harness racing and thoroughbreds and had good success at both. He had a real showcase place at Kembla before he eventually settled on the Gold Coast," he said.