Tabcorp boosts international thoroughbred content with South African distribution deal

Tabcorp’s Sky Racing’s International division has expanded its global offering by securing the exclusive worldwide rights to 120 meetings a year from South Africa as part of a multi-year deal with Gold Circle, a leading South African wagering and racing operator.

The deal will see top level racing from Gold Circle's Hollywoodbets Greyville (Durban) and Hollywoodbets Scottsville (Pietermaritzburg) tracks beamed to international audiences via Sky’s extensive global distribution network, as well as to Sky’s viewers in Australia across TAB venues, the app and website and in homes.

The racing content from Hollywoodbets Scottsville and Hollywoodbets Greyville — home of Africa’s most prestigious race the Durban July — will complement Sky’s current international content offering of racing from Australia and New Zealand.

The arrangement starts from January 17 and will be supported by Tabcorp’s international subsidiaries, Sky Racing World (USA) and Premier Gateway International, as well as our valued existing international partners.

Tabcorp’s GM International, Paul Cross said the deal continued a long-standing partnership that Sky has had with the racing industry in South Africa.

“This means more high quality racing for Sky viewers and for punters, as well as benefits for the racing industry in both Australia and South Africa.

“And with this being worldwide rights, it also enhances our export offering with more than 60 countries taking Sky content."

Gold Circle CEO Michel Nairac said: “At a time when many of the revenue streams supporting the South African Horseracing Industry have been affected by Covid-19 restrictions and other economic circumstances, this agreement for the international rights to KwaZulu Natal’s racing product, goes a long way to sustaining the sport in the province. We look forward to a mutually beneficial long-standing relationship with Tabcorp.”