Clare Balding switches channel as racing secures new TV deal

Clare Balding The presenter will anchor Channel 4’s expanding coverage (PA)

Few of the medal winners she has introduced over the past couple of weeks have gained greater plaudits for their Olympic performance than Clare Balding. There will be corresponding satisfaction on her home turf, then, that she is now to follow its best sport to Channel 4. It is almost as though a new, exclusive terrestrial contract for the cream of British racing could not properly match its remit without her.

The BBC, having run down its racing coverage over recent years, earlier this year finally surrendered the last glittering kernel – including Aintree, Ascot and Epsom – to Channel 4, for a minimum of four years from January. But the lead presenter will remain unchanged, following the announcement yesterday that Balding has signed a deal that will also install her as anchor of Channel 4's coverage of the Paralympics. The contract is not exclusive, enabling her to maintain a diversifying portfolio with the BBC.

The production contract for the sport's new coverage has , meanwhile, been won by IMG Sports Media, beating off competition from Channel 4 Racing's longstanding partner, Highflyer Productions, and Sunset+Vine, praised for its innovative coverage when Channel 4 obtained Test cricket rights. As a result another seasoned pair of hands will be joining Balding, Carl Hicks having joined IMG Sports Media as executive producer after editing BBC coverage of nine Grand Nationals prior to its Olympics coverage.

Significantly, a parallel, four-year extension has also been confirmed in the Dubai sponsorship package credited, since 2008, with keeping any racing at all on Channel 4 – even as the BBC lost interest.

Jamie Aitchison, sports editor of Channel 4, hailed Balding's arrival as a coup. "Quite simply, Clare is the sports broadcaster of her era," he said. "For her to be heading up our coverage across the year is extremely exciting." Balding herself offered a suitably decorous response. "Racing is my 'home' sport, and I am delighted I will still be part of its coverage on TV," she said. "I am excited by Channel 4's plans and the way in which they have committed to expanding the profile of jockeys, trainers and horses."

One of those jockeys, Johnny Murtagh, will see a specialist tomorrow after scans yesterday confirmed he had fractured his jaw in a parade ring accident at the Curragh on Sunday.

Turf account

Nap

Penang Pegasus (3.50 Ayr) Resumed his progress by staying on over an inadequate trip on only his sixth start.

Next best

Alpine Mysteries (2.10 Wolverhampton) Has been allotted a modest rating after learning the ropes in three maiden spins.

One to watch

Alnawiyah (John Dunlop) Shaped nicely on her debut over what will prove a minimum distance at Newmarket.