Irish racing will return next month with increased coverage on RTÉ television, with confirmation today of a series of new one-hour live evening programmes in June and early July.
There will be live terrestrial coverage of Irish racing on eight of the first 20 days following the resumption of racing here on 8 June.
RTÉ's coverage returns for the first Classics of the Flat racing season at the Curragh, the Irish 2,000 Guineas on June 12 and the Irish 1,000 Guineas on 13 June.
As ever, RTÉ will cover the Irish Derby weekend and the Irish Oaks, and in addition will broadcast new hour-long evening programmes on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player every weekend, with 10 extra meetings confirmed up to mid-July.
The new programmes will run from 7-8pm on Friday evenings and 5-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and will have two live races with previews and analysis, interviews from the track, and replays from action earlier on the cards.
Hugh Cahill will present the new run of live coverage with guest analysts joining regulars Jane Mangan, Ted Walsh and Ruby Walsh.
All of RTÉ Sport's racing coverage will comply with Horse Racing Ireland's Covid-19 protocols around social distancing for behind-closed-doors meetings.
Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: "RTÉ has always been very supportive of racing in Ireland and today's announcement confirms that commitment. The new one-hour evening programmes are an opportunity for Irish racing to attract people to our sport and educate those new fans on what makes racing so exciting.
"We appreciate the flexibility shown by the RTÉ team around the new dates for the Irish Guineas in June and really look forward to their live coverage of our opening Classics, as well as this new departure."
Group Head of Sport at RTÉ Decan McBennett said: "Live sport is an integral part of Irish life and RTÉ Sport is delighted that it is returning across all RTÉ platforms.
"For everything that it brings in terms of physical exercise, mental well-being, social and community cohesion and economic stimulation, the benefit of sport will again be appreciated by all.
"Horse racing in this country is a key component of that and Horse Racing Ireland is to be commended for getting racing back in a safe and responsible manner."
RTÉ Racing in June on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
Friday 12 June: Curragh (Irish 2000 Guineas)
Saturday 13 June: Curragh (Irish 1000 Guineas)
Friday 19 June: Gowran Park
Saturday 20 June: Naas
Sunday 21 June: Leopardstown
Friday 26 June: Curragh
Saturday 27 June: Curragh (Irish Derby)
Sunday 28 June: Curragh
