Horse racing is always looking for a new ways to showcase itself and attract a new fan base, and according to multiple media reports as of late, racing will be taking a page out the Formula One handbook in an attempt to do so.
Earlier this month, officials with Championship Horse Racing unveiled some of the details of ‘The Series,’ which is slated to take place in 2019. The televised tournament will see 12 branded Thoroughbred racing outfits compete for points and purses over eight consecutive Thursdays at Group 1 racecourses across Britain. The Series will consist of at least 48 races, each of which will be worth at least £100,000 ($177,000 Canadian).
Championship Horse Racing has said that top global brands will own each of the racing teams. As a particular report by Reuters explains, each squad will feature 30 horses, four dedicated jockeys and a top trainer.
"The Series promises to be a compelling spectacle for viewers and has the potential to take racing to a whole new audience," Richard FitzGerald, the chief executive of Racecourse Media Group, has said.
"This is a fantastic chance for racing to lead the way in changing how people watch sport, both live and in terms of bite-size, interactive content," Championship Horse Racing chief executive Jeremy Wray has been quoted as saying.
The Jockey Club, which operates 15 racecourses across Britain, is on board with the series.
"Jeremy and his team are bringing a really far-thinking approach to the offer they're taking to market for brands to get involved," The Jockey Club chief executive Simon Bazalgette has been quoted as saying.
"The Series is the most creative and positive racing sponsorship opportunity I have seen and I hope it will become a tremendous success," top trainer John Gosden has said.