ITV is set to enhance its racing coverage in 2026 by broadcasting over 70 days of racing on ITV1 and ITVX. This high-profile initiative will represent approximately 60% of the total 116 racing days scheduled for that year. Most of the key events will appear on ITV1, reaching a vast free-to-air audience.
Major Events Featured in ITV Racing
The lineup will include several prestigious racing festivals:
- Cheltenham Festival
- Aintree Randox Grand National
- Betfred Derby
- Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot will continue to be part of the ITV1 schedule without conflicts from major events, such as the FIFA World Cup.
New Initiatives for 2026
2026 will introduce the ARC ‘Friday Night Live’ series, starting on January 9 at Wolverhampton. Additionally, the Sky Bet Sunday Series will run throughout the summer months. A total of 62 Opening Shows will air, marking a digital expansion as they will also stream on ITV Racing’s YouTube channel for the first time.
Key Figures in ITV Racing
Sports Presenter of the Year 2025, Ed Chamberlin, will lead the renowned presenting team alongside Francesca Cumani for the flat season. Other hosts include:
- Oli Bell for The Opening Show and Sunday Series
- Meg Nicholls for Friday Night Live
Viewer Engagement and Success Metrics
Viewer engagement saw a positive boost in 2025, with a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Racing Editors Richard Willoughby and Paul Cooper expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, emphasizing their commitment to covering major festivals and lesser-known tracks.
As ITV Racing approaches its 10th year, the team is eager to deliver another exciting year of horse racing on a free-to-air platform.
