Cheltenham Festival has been home to Channel 4 since 1995. This year, March 13th – 16th, the dedicated team will bring viewers even closer to the action with the employment of modern technology; supported by an array of Festival features.
TECHNOLOGY:
High Mo – the latest super slow-motion camera which captures action in greater detail – will have its first outing for Channel 4 Racing and the sport.
43 cameras including a digital-linked-camera for the trackside presenter and a fixed camera in the jockeys changing room will capture the anticipation of race-riding.
The Blimp will once again provide spectacular racecourse images and clean aerial overviews of each race – enjoyed by race analysis’s John Francome and Jim McGrath.
An advanced Epsis system, creates three-dimensional virtual images and superimpose them over live pictures, will be used to superimpose owner’s colours on the home straight.
Every obstacle will carry a new sound-effects system that picks up the sounds of the horses jumping and jockeys comments, adding that unique “at the races” feeling.
FEATURES:
JP McManus – his life in racing. Interviewed by Jim McGrath, McManus reveals his first Festival memories and how he was granted half a day off school to witness Mill House’s victory. He talks about his punting days and the joys of owing Istabraq despite having to plan holidays around the horse! His opinions on his trainers and jockeys are expressed along with his 2007 Festival fancy – Don’t Push It.
Ruby Walsh Profile. This 2-piece feature provides a personal and professional insight to Ruby Walsh. Footage captured from Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls yards. The latter includes a Kauto Star schooling session.
Mick Fitzgerald – his five favourite Festival memories. Call Equiname and See More Business are listed. Mick explains his admiration of Istabraq and jockey, Charlie Swan, and recalls how Dawn Run’s Gold Cup win made a “massive impact on Ireland.”
Women in racing. Presented by Lesley Graham in costume, the seven, one-minute plus features includes Dorothy Paget, HRH The Queen Mother, The Duchess of Westminter, Jenny Pitman, Venetia Williams, Henrietta Knight and Jessica Harrington.
John Francome in the saddle – Exotic Dancer.
Andrew Thompson, Channel 4’s Head of Sport, commented: “Our 20-hour schedule gives Cheltenham Festival the range and scale of coverage it deserves, and we are proud to offer the most comprehensive coverage of the Festival ever seen on terrestrial television. The Channel 4 Racing team are relishing the prospect of the meeting – we wish them, and all Festival contenders the best of luck.”
Channel 4’s Festival coverage will be introduced by ALASTAIR DOWN together with MIKE CATTERMOLE, JOHN FRANCOME, LESLEY GRAHAM, SIMON HOLT, LESLEY GRAHAM, JOHN McCRIRICK, JIM McGRATH, TANYA STEVENSON, DEREK THOMPSON and TED WALSH.
Festival coverage starts daily with the FESTIVAL MORNING LINE (8.30am) providing the latest and essential information on the day’s runners, riders and conditions live from Cheltenham. Racing from CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL starts at 1.00pm daily with RacingUK (Channel 432) taking us to the end of the day. Highlights will be screened each night.
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL LIVE ON CHANNEL 4:
Tuesday, March 13th
8.30 – 9.30am FESTIVAL MORNING LINE
1.00 – 4.20pm CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
12.30am CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday, March 14th
8.30 – 9.30am FESTIVAL MORNING LINE
1.00 – 4.20pm CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
12.05am CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, March 15th
8.30 – 9.30am FESTIVAL MORNING LINE
1.00 – 4.20pm CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
12.40am CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Friday, March 16th
8.30 – 9.30am FESTIVAL MORNING LINE
1.00 – 4.20pm CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
7.30pm Gold Cup Re-run
11.55pm CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Saturday, March 18th
8.00 – 9.00am THE MORNING LINE
2.00 – 4.00pm CHANNEL FOUR RACING FROM UTTOXETER, LINGFIELD PARK, WETHERBY &
NEWCASTLE