Channel 4 racing threat as BBC offered Newmarket showpieces

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Today's Racing Post carries a story that Newmarket's owner, Jockey Club Racecourses, has told the BBC that it can cover the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas plus the prestigious Champions Day card from next year and says that Doncaster would also consider switching the St Leger from Channel 4 to the BBC.

However, any such deal would jeopardise Channel 4's future in the sport at a time when racecourses are still to agree a financial subsidy, without which Channel 4 is likely to pull out of covering racing.

The dramatic developments are seen as an attempt by the racing industry to persuade the BBC to axe its planned near-50 per cent cut in covering racing from 2010 which will see the corporation broadcast just 14 days instead of the current 29.

According to the Racing Post, a long-standing proposal for Channel 4 to continue its racing coverage from 2010 has not been signed as racecourses are holding back on agreeing to pay a six-figure sum to the broadcaster which is also paid a handsome sponsorship by Dubai Holdings.

In a further twist, the much-maligned Sovereign Series, also due to start in 2010, could receive a major shot in the arm.

Should the Stan James 2,000 Guineas and the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes move to the BBC, seven of the 10 races that make up the Sovereign Series would then be televised by the BBC with just the Juddmonte Lockinge, the Coral-Eclipse and the Juddmonte International remaining in Channel 4's hands.

The Racing Post also reports that Thompson, Channel 4's head of sport, has relinquished his post to set up his own company.

Former BBC employee Thompson will represent Channel 4 as a racing consultant and is setting up his own sports consultancy and production business.