Thoroughbred vision restored as NSW, Victoria agree to go separate ways

NSW thoroughbred races are expected to be broadcast back into all pubs, clubs and TAB agencies as early as next week as racing’s TV war took an ­unexpected turn on Friday.

Sydney Racing

NSW thoroughbred races are expected to be broadcast back into all pubs, clubs and TAB agencies as early as next week as racing’s TV war took an ­unexpected turn on Friday.

A Christmas Eve TVN board meeting that went late into the evening ended with the NSW and Victorian racing industries agreeing “on an amicable split, leaving each state responsible for the distribution of its broadcast and digital media rights’’.

TVN chief executive Bruce Mann.

It is understood NSW and Victoria have different philosophies on wagering strategies that have left their TVN partnership untenable. What this means for TVN and how racing will be broadcast in future remains up in the air.

“Partnerships are complex and a certain degree of alignment is required for them to succeed,” TVN chief executive Bruce Mann said.

The crux of the issue is understood to be the Victorian industry’s association with corporate bookmakers, which could migrate more betting turnover away from the TAB.

TAB turnover is the primary source of industry revenue and the NSW arm of TVN wishes to protect the tote model that provides over 70 per cent of revenue.

Racing NSW does not want the Tabcorp income source threatened, particularly with its ongoing campaign for state tax wagering parity which has the potential for even higher returns from TAB turnover.

Australian Turf Club chief executive Darren Pearce said on Friday night “the path that is unfolding is the sensible one as the strategies of NSW and Victoria are so different”.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said the ­immediate focus is to “give punters the ability to access ­vision of NSW races”.

“All our efforts will be concentrated on servicing the punters,’’ V’landys said.

Hugh Bowman rides Liberty Island to victory at Royal Randwick, one of four wins for the star jockey. Picture: Getty Images

“It is too early to announce what will happen in the future as we need to sit down with the ATC and the provincial and country sectors to determine a way forward for our broadcast strategies of NSW racing.’’

“However, it will be our aim to distribute the vision to as many outlets as possible as we will be using media to drive wagering turnover which is the significant source of racing industry revenue.

“But you could say we have just got divorced and we are not looking for a new girlfriend.’’

It is understood a meeting with NSW race clubs is scheduled for Monday to determine how to maximise revenues from broadcast media rights of NSW racing but it is likely Sky Racing will be the vision provider.

TVN says its “business will continue to operate and serve the racing industry while the TVN shareholders determine the future of the operation”.