Pa Steps Up Horseracing Data Distribution

The Press Association has been appointed the official Pre-Race Data distributor for British horseracing, in a new agreement that will run until the end of 2018.

The deal expands the multimedia news agency and digital content supplier’s presence in the sport, who already acts as the official horseracing data supplier for Horse Racing Ireland’s (HRI) Formbook and in-running comments.

The contract with PA, announced by the Racecourse Data Company (RDC), sanctions the distribution of Pre-Race Data (PRD) – both domestically and overseas – to all media outlets including newspapers, websites, broadcasters, media businesses, mobile platforms, Pari-Mutuel operators, bookmakers, online betting companies, racing authorities and racecourses.

PRD is generated by Weatherbys and is the key component of information required to take a bet. It includes information on a racecard, such as final fields, owners, trainers, jockeys, weight, colours, draw and ratings.

Jim Donnelley, PA’s director of racing, said: ‘We are delighted to be named official Pre-Race Data distributors for British horseracing by RDC this week.’

‘This announcement confirms PA’s position within the sports industry as a trusted and reliable source of racing and sports betting data.’

Richard FitzGerald, chief executive of Racecourse Media Group and Tony Kelly, managing director of Arena Racing Company, who are both RDC Directors, said: ‘We are delighted that PA have been appointed distributors of official British horseracing Pre-Race Data and look forward to working closely with them in the best interests of the sport.’

‘These contracts provide customers with the confidence of a long-term deal for what is a very significant piece of data.’

‘We will endeavour to work closely with our partners to showcase and expand interest in British horseracing by enhancing the way in which it is presented through existing and potential new data streams.’

RDC was formed with the backing of Racing Enterprises Limited, Horseman’s Group, British Horseracing Authority, Racecourse Association and 57 racecourses. 

PA also holds the international distribution rights to HRI’s Irish Racecards – delivering its content to markets including the UK, US. South Africa and Ireland.