France Galop, horse racing’s governing body in the country, has appointed HBA Media, the independent rights agency in the sport, as its media rights distribution partner in a four-year deal.
Under the agreement, HBA Media will be responsible for selling international broadcast rights to France Galop’s entire racing portfolio including the flagship Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and a further 26 'group 1' and 'group 2' racedays.
The two parties will “work collaboratively to elevate the quality of its live and produced racing coverage” and will place renewed emphasis on promoting the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in productions “that will attract new audiences and sports fans to the best of French flat racing”.
The announcement adds to a string of major acquisitions by HBA Media in the last two years, which have included representation agreements with both Ascot Racecourse and Racecourse Media Group (RMG), respectively, to manage the international broadcast rights for UK and Irish racing, including the Royal Meeting, British Champions Day, Derby Festival, and the Grand National.
HBA Media is also responsible for a host of international events, including the Pegasus World Cup, the Saudi Cup, the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the Melbourne Cup, the Breeders’ Cup, and the Bahrain International Trophy.
Henry Birtles, chief executive of HBA Media, said: “Over the past few years, our vision at HBA Media has been focused on the sport of horseracing thriving in an ever-changing media landscape.
“We are thrilled that France Galop believe in our approach, and we are unrelenting in our mission to showcase this great sport to untapped audiences and secure the best possible global coverage for France Galop and all our clients.”
Delphine Violette, director of commercial and marketing for France Galop, added: “We are very excited to be working with HBA Media, who have proven their dedication, commitment, and outstanding knowledge of horseracing and media.
“HBA’s portfolio captures the very best of international horseracing and we are delighted that French racing from ParisLongchamp, Chantilly, Deauville, Auteuil, and Saint-Cloud Racecourses will be distributed within this unrivaled year-long global racing calendar.”
