Awards double for Channel 4 Racing

2 December 2014

Channel 4 Racing’s coverage of the racing was heralded yesterday (Monday 1st December) as two of IMG’s production and talent team picked up prestigious awards.

Channel 4 Racing Director Denise Large won the RTS Craft and Design award for her direction of the 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National. Denise is the first women to direct this event and beat the BBC’s Six Nations: England v Wales and ITV’s FA Cup Final 2014 in this multicamera sports award.

Denise says: “I am absolutely thrilled to be honoured for the job I love doing. Directing the Grand National has been the highlight of my career, and to receive a RTS award is wonderful recognition.

“It is a pleasure to work with a very talented and highly professional crew behind the cameras and also a wonderful team of presenters. I am extremely proud of the Grand National programme and will treasure this award.”

Earlier in the day at the annual Horserace Writers and Photographers Association Derby Awards, lead Channel 4 Racing presenter Nick Luck was announced the winner of the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Trophy for Broadcaster of the Year for the sixth time. Luck was voted Broadcaster of the Year; an award founded in 2004, in 2013, 2011, 2009, 2008 and 2007 as well.

Graham Fry, Executive Producer for IMG, says: “IMG is thrilled to have won the RTS craft award for multi-camera direction. Denise is a hugely talented director surrounded by a driven and respected production team. For Nick Luck to also win a major award on the same day and knowing that we also have a great team of presenters, pundits and reporters, is a great fillip to the whole operation as the Channel 4 Racing team looks forward to taking the sport further in the years to come. IMG would also like to thank the huge support given by Channel 4 to IMG over the past 2 years that has helped make both of these awards possible.”

Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor for Sport, adds: “The energy Denise Large dedicates to Channel 4 Racing is inspiring. Her research, homework and planning for this year’s Crabbie’s Grand National, and indeed all our live events, is second to none – a fitting reward.

“Nick Luck is a fantastic broadcaster and a pleasure to work with, and I know both our winners will extend their thanks to the whole of IMG’s production team and all their colleagues.”

To date, Channel 4 Racing has won a BAFTA for best live outside broadcast: 1998 Epsom Derby and two earlier RTS award for The Morning Line: best sports programme and a Cheltenham Festival direction.

Channel 4 Racing is live this Saturday with The Morning Line (8am) from Sandown Park with a Donald McCain stable visit. Afternoon racing (1:20 – 4pm) takes in racing Sandown and Aintree that includes the exciting Tingle Creek and Becher Chases.