WA racing to be streamed nationally

Race meetings across Western Australia will be streamed live nationally from September 16 on Seven West Media’s digital streaming arm, 7plus.

The multi-year partnership between Racing WA and SWM is a massive coup for WA’s thoroughbred industry, as in the past, free-to-air television coverage on the Seven Network has been based around major Melbourne and Sydney meetings.

Presently, if a racing enthusiast in WA is unable to attend their preferred metro or regional-based track on race day, they need to tune in to watch via Sky Racing – a pay-per-view channel – or sign in to stream the meeting via a betting company’s phone app or website.

“The partnership represents a collaborative effort between Racing WA, Perth Racing and the Western Australian Provincial Thoroughbred Racing Association,” Perth Racing CEO James Oldring said.

The 7plus stream will also provide greater opportunities for WA-based tracks to generate exposure on the eastern seaboard of Australia, due to the time difference and accessibility of the free streaming platform.

Extensive pre and post-race analysis from WA-based thoroughbred experts is also expected to add an extra element of polish to the coverage. 

One racing club outside of the metropolitan area likely to reap several benefits from this deal is the Bunbury Turf Club, which re-opened to the public last October, following its $30 million track re-development project.

Aside from significant upgrades to the track, which ensured racing can be held year-round, the BTC also has been able to benefit from new state-of-the-art facilities off the track – including new stables, designated male and female jockey rooms and spacious entertainment areas for spectators.

The streaming agreement will also likely result in the club’s biggest meeting – Furphy Bunbury Cup and Tabtouch Bunbury Stakes – being showcased on March 8 next year as WA’s standalone Saturday meeting.