Richard Hughes to wear helmet camera on QIPCO British Champions Day

17 October 2013

Saturday 19th October 2013 - 1.30pm to 4.30pm – Channel 4

On Saturday, October 19th reigning champion jockey, Richard Hughes, will wear a helmet camera for all his mounts competing at QIPCO British Champions Day broadcast live on Channel 4.

Thrilled with the opportunity to broadcast an initiative view of Ascot Racecourse, Denise Large, Director of Programmes for Channel 4 Racing, explains: “Richard Hughes has been riding out all week wearing an approved helmet camera in preparation for the QIPCO British Champions Day.  With the support of Jim Goldie and the Hannon family, Channel 4 viewers will be able to see the skill and tactics required for race riding - initiatives like this really help develop a greater understand of the sport and its superstars.

“The intention is to incorporate the footage within our post-race analysis and I would like to thank British Champions Series and the British Horseracing Authority who have helped us deliver this project.”

QIPCO British Champions Day showcases five Championship categories and all five finals will be broadcast for the first time ever live on Channel 4.  Coverage from the richest raceday ever staged in Britain starts at 8am with The Morning Line presented by Nick Luck with special guest Johnny Murtagh.  Both will rove around Ascot Racecourse for the latest on-course gossip and track updates alongside Tanya Stevenson to provide the latest betting news.  The Channel 4 liveried studio has been granted a new unrivalled position directly above the Parade Ring and walk-back area from where race analysis will take place.

Clare Balding presents three hours of afternoon racing coverage live from 1.30pm alongside Nick Luck, Jim McGrath, Graham Cunningham, Emma Spencer, Tanya Stevenson, Brian Gleeson and Simon Holt.  Mick Fitzgerald will be at the hub of the action with enhanced access to the jockeys changing room ahead of the championship races.

The programme will also incorporate an exclusive in-depth interview with Lady Cecil from Warren Place, further updates from Tattersalls sales combined with specific Ascot related montages and a report from the stables with overnighting horses.

QIPCO British Champions Day                                                                                             

1:45      QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup

2:20      QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes                                                            

2:55      QIPCO British Champions Fillies’ and Mares’ Stakes

3:30      Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO                                                             

4:05      QIPCO Champion Stakes