Australia’s #1 racing coverage on Seven reaches 5.23 million – Spring Racing Carnival blooms on Seven
The Seven Network’s Spring Racing Carnival coverage galloped away with viewers this year, with the live and free coverage recording strong audience growth and reaching 5.23 million people to date.
From the Hill Stakes Day at Rosehill Gardens and the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on 7 October to yesterday’s The Big Dance at Royal Randwick, more people tuned into the coverage on Channel 7 and 7plus than in 2022.
So far across 2023, all of Seven’s racing coverage has reached 9.59 million Australians across broadcast and BVOD, up 6% year-on-year.
Seven’s Spring Racing Carnival coverage, which includes the most celebrated meets on the Australian thoroughbred racing calendar and a procession of Group 1 races, has drawn 13% more viewers than in 2022.
Seven has long been the undisputed leader in racing broadcasting and that rich tradition continues this year. Australia’s greatest sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney again leads racing’s #1 team, joined by 7Racing’s Emma Freedman, Jason Richardson, Hamish McLachlan, Katelyn McDonald, Emily Bosson, Lizzie Jelfs, Kate Waterhouse and special guest host Dan MacPherson across key race days.
Seven’s coverage of Australia’s Greatest Race Day on 14 October, featuring both The Everest at Sydney’s Royal Randwick and the Caulfield Guineas at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse, reached 1.29 million people and had an average audience of 229,000 nationally, up 32% on 2022.
The Caulfield Cup (race) on 21 October had 305,000 viewers and reached 423,000 people, while the hallowed Cox Plate (race) at Moonee Valley on 28 October attracted 258,000 viewers and reached 416,000 people. The running of The Everest had 349,000 viewers and reached 414,000 people.
Last Saturday’s Golden Eagle Day from Rosehill Gardens reached 1.03 million people, drew an average of 144,000 viewers – up 16% on 2022 – and had 112% more viewers than Derby Day.
Yesterday’s The Big Dance at Royal Randwick saw its average audience increase 8% year-on-year, to 223,000. It reached 1.69 million people.
The Spring Racing calendar is the pinnacle of the 7Racing portfolio, which covers the very best Australian thoroughbred racing live and free every Saturday as part of the most significant free-to-air broadcast deal in the history of the sport.
Seven’s long-term agreement to 2027 with Racing Victoria and Racing NSW, which includes key race days in conjunction with Racing Queensland and Racing SA, cements its standing as Australia’s home of racing and means Australians enjoy 52 weeks of elite racing across the country every year.
Managing Director of Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said:
“It’s been a non-stop show of Australia’s most prestigious races this Spring and Seven’s live, free and exclusive coverage has been the top choice for racing enthusiasts and fans alike.
“Our commitment to thoroughbred horse racing extends across every week of the year, it’s a core part of our DNA, and Seven’s pre-eminent commentary team, analysis and coverage showcase the sport like no one else.
“We’re proud of our longstanding relationships with the various state racing bodies – Melbourne Racing Club, Racing NSW, the ATC, Moonee Valley Racing Club and Racing Victoria – and together we are committed to taking racing to new heights and ensuring its sustainability in Australia for years to come. Our remarkable audience reach and continued year-on-year growth, not just for major cultural events like Australia’s Greatest Race Day but right across this Spring Carnival calendar, highlight the strength and success of these partnerships.”
Seven’s Spring Racing Carnival coverage continues this Saturday with Five Diamonds Ladies Day at Rosehill Gardens, followed by:
- 18 November – Caulfield: Schweppes Caulfield Thousand and Newcastle Racecourse: The Hunter
- 25 November – Kembla Grange: The Gong Day
- 2 December – Caulfield: Whispering Angel Caulfield Spring Finale and Rosehill Gardens: Festival Stakes Day
Then to kickstart a huge 2024 of racing on Seven, the Magic Millions Raceday is set to return, airing live and free direct from the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, 13 January.
Racing fans can also tune in to Seven’s racing ancillary show Horses for Courses, hosted by Jason Richardson and Emma Freedman, every Friday at 4.00pm AEDT on 7plus, and the following morning at 11.00am AEDT, prior to Seven’s Saturday racing coverage on Seven.
All episodes of Horses for Courses are available for on-demand streaming on the Racing Hub on 7plus, along with race day minis and archive footage, plus jockey interviews, bonus content and exclusive features on demand.
Media Release – Seven
Link to 7plus HERE
TV Central Seven content HERE
