In these very difficult times, I have looked into trying to watch racing online from the UK and countries all around the world and found it a total minefield. There are plenty of websites that offer free streaming, but they are anything but when you look into them.
I found several American sites, namely TVG, Bet AMERICA, and Twin Spires, but when I tried to log in, they would not take a UK e-mail, and it looked like there was a cost despite that not being mentioned in their initial search.
So I have looked around the net to find anywhere to stream horse racing for free or cheaply and see where your money has gone after you’ve placed your bet. I have highlighted my findings below. Well, you’ve placed your money on your fancy and you want to follow it as it runs. How can you stream the action?
I’m afraid there is very little in this life that comes without a cost, and apart from sitting on the town walls at Chester and watching the fillies galloping around the Roodee, which costs nothing, here is what I have been able to find out about how you can stream racing on TV or your mobile device.
To Watch For Free On Terrestrial Television
Currently, ITV Racing has a contract to show racing in the UK.
Main events such as the Classics, Royal Ascot, Goodwood, Grand National and Cheltenham are usually shown on the main channel, ITV1, while the more ordinary meetings are on ITV4.
When the top events are on ITV1, they tend to concentrate on just the one meeting, so there is a lot of dross between races, such as a fashion or food slot or interviews with ‘celebrities’ who know little about racing.
Moreover, some of the programme’s presenters can be a matter of taste and leave a lot to be desired, but there we are—you are getting your racing and a Saturday morning show for nothing.
Their contract expires at the end of the year so that may not be the case in future if ITV cannot secure a new deal.
Talks with the TV company and Racecourse Media Group stalled last month, and it is reported that the future of terrestrial racing coverage hangs in the balance.
It is possible that ITV could lose all but a few ‘flagship’ race days and the rest to Sky or Racing TV. That would be a disaster for the Saturday punter.
Paid Subscription Services
That brings me to the Subscription Services, which are currently Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV. Sky replaces At The Races and promises racing from Ascot, Chester, and Bangor-on-Dee. It recently signed a 10-year deal with those courses.
They also have 22 other courses on their books plus they claim to have 200 French fixtures, the Breeders Cup, US Triple Crown, the Melbourne Cup and all the fixtures from the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The channel is available to all basic satellite and cable subscription customers.
Racing TV has changed its name from Racing UK due to its Irish deal. It currently covers 35 courses in the UK and all Irish Racing. Its current tariff is £25 a month, and it also has a daily rate of £5.
Bookmakers Streams
Most bookmakers offer streaming provided you have placed a bet over a certain amount; some are payless. These streams are taken directly from the racecourses, and the quality of the pictures and the commentaries differ enormously. Here is what some of the betting firms offer.
Bet365 Live Racing
This firm offers streaming from North America and Australia as well as virtual racing at no cost. The races that they offer streaming are clearly marked with a tick box at the side of each race.
Check Bet365 Latest Sign Up Offer
William Hill
All racing from the USA is streamed without pay. They also offer racing from Hong Kong and Australia, but their website does not mention streaming from these countries.
Check William Hill Latest Sign Up Offer
Betfred
They offer streaming from the USA and Hong Kong, provided you have a bet of £1 or more for each race you want to stream.
Check Betfred Latest Sign Up Offer
RaceBets
RaceBets is all about racing, just for Irish people. They bring live races right to you from top spots like France, the USA, and Hong Kong. So, if you’re in Ireland, RaceBets has you covered with all the action streamed directly to your device. It’s like having VIP access to the world’s best races, no matter where you are in Ireland.
Boylesports
They’ve got a solid setup for streaming races. If you bet on a race, you can stream it from their website or app. It’s a nice way to follow the action, especially if you’ve staked your money on the outcome. Just make sure your account is funded or you’ve placed a bet in the last 24 hours, and you’re good to go.
QuinnBet
QuinnBet keeps it straightforward. They offer streaming for the UK and Irish racing. Similar to others, you need to bet on the race you want to stream. One of the cool things about QuinnBet is its focus on customer satisfaction, so its streaming service is all about making sure you get to see your race without a hitch.
888sport
888sport offers streaming as well. You can stream races if you’ve made a bet on them. 888sport covers a wide range of races, and accessing the stream is pretty straightforward through their website or app. They’ve made it easy to get in on the action, so once you’ve placed your bet, sit back and enjoy the race.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the thrill of horse racing with digital streaming turns every race into an adventure. From free websites to subscription services and bookmakers’ streams, finding your spot at the finish line has never been more exhilarating. Whether you’re watching from a historic viewpoint or your cozy corner, the spirit and excitement of racing are just a click away, ready to bring every heart-pounding moment directly to you.
Check RaceBets Latest Sign Up Offer
Find all previous Seymour Biz racing editorials in his weekly column:Â Saturday Horse Racing Tips