Channel 4 to use Jockey Cam at Grand National Festival

8 April 2015

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During the three-day Crabbie’s Grand National Festival, four top jump jockeys will wear Channel 4’s new jockey-cam for all races covered on Channel 4 including the spectacular four miles, three and a half furlongs showcase.

The high definition camera will give a jockey’s eye view of the Aintree courses, taking the audience right into the heart of the race – with footage used as part of the post-race analysis.

Leighton Aspell - last year’s Grand National winning jockey, will wear the light-weight purpose-built moulded camera in Saturday’s showcase when he takes up the ride on Hennessy Gold Cup winner and 25/1 fancy, Many Clouds. Gavin Sheehan, Will Kennedy and others have also agreed to wear the jockeycam with the kind support from their owners and trainers.

Thrilled with the opportunity to broadcast an initiative view from the Crabbie’s Grand National and other feature races, Denise Large, Director of Programmes for Channel 4 Racing, explains: “This year, Channel 4 viewers will be able to experience the jockeys point of view when riding around Aintree.

“I would like to thank the British Horseracing Authority and the Professional Jockeys Association for all of their support, and all the jockeys who have tested the camera on the training ground.  Without them this would not be possible. 

“This technology brings racing to the forefront amongst other sports who have developed on board POV cameras.  It has been a major achievement to launch this High Definition jockeycam, and the development of such a small device with sound was paramount to it being able to be used in race riding.  The results should give the most dynamic pictures and insight into the Grand National.”

Equine Productions has been working with Channel 4 and IMG to help develop the camera. 

Director, Nathan Horrocks, adds: “We're so excited that people across the world are going to see these images and at such an important Festival.

“It’s something which is personally very close to my heart - I’m desperate for as many people as possible to see what a jockey goes through in a race, and also the courage of the horse, at first hand.

“Capturing a true first person perspective opens this up, and we’re grateful for all the support we’ve received from within the industry to help us reach this point.”

Channel 4’s racing coverage across the three-day festival will incorporate over 15 hours of live action with five daily races.

The Morning Line will preview racing action from Thursday to Saturday in its usual 8am slot, with Saturday’s show extended to 10am – beginning Channel 4’s full day programming based around the Grand National. Alice Plunkett with host The Morning Line joined daily by Tom Segal and the Walsh clan that include jockeys Katie and Ruby, and father Ted Walsh plus an array of guests.

Afternoon coverage starts at 1:45pm (April 9th & 10th) and at 1:00pm on Grand National Day (April 11th) presented by Nick Luck. He will be joined by Alice Plunkett with Emma Spencer, Jim McGrath and Graham Cunningham providing unrivalled analysis from the track-side studio.

With exclusive access to the Stables, Jockeys Changing Room and Steward’s Room Alice Plunkett and Mick Fitzgerald and will bring all the atmosphere of the thrilling three-day meeting to the screen enabling Channel 4 viewers to be even closer to the action than ever before.

Gok Wan will make his Aintree debut, joining the team for Ladies Day and the Grand National. Off the back of a hugely successful 2014 debut for Channel 4 Racing, Gok will provide fashion and lifestyle commentary. While the UK’s most recognised flat jockey and broadcaster, Frankie Dettori will give his expert opinions on the feature raceday.

Actor and racehorse owner, James Nesbitt, also plays a significant role within Channel 4’s Grand National Day coverage with a bespoke opening feature that reinforces the prestige of the nation’s favourite horse race.

Channel 4’s principal commentator, Simon Holt, will be supported by two additional commentators - Richard Hoiles and Ian Barlett - for the Crabbie’s Grand National that incorporates 30 fences that includes landmarks such as Becher’s Brook, the Canal Turn, Valentines and the Chair. Tanya Stevenson will be on-hand to relay the betting markets with Brian Gleeson offering an Irish perspective.