The Channel 4 Racing bets are all on once again after the a firm owned by the Dubai government began exclusive negotiations for a two-year £4m sponsorship deal and this will permit the Channel 4 coverage to continue as it was reported that it would come off the air if a new sporsor was not found to take over from totesport after they have decided to pull out of their support of the programme.

Dubai is the up and coming city for the next decade and they are very proud of their Horse RAcing and Dubai festival and a company called Dubai Holding, which owns and controls companies including Tussauds Group, Travelodge and the “seven-star” sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, is discussing a deal that covers 80 days a year of Channel 4 terrestrial horse racing coverage.

Dubai Holding is a company that belongs to the government of Dubai. The ruler of the emirate, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, controls almost all of the company.

Companies including Betfair and Satellite Information Services had been tipped as front runners to take over the Channel 4 horseracing sponsorship.

Source: Guardian Unlimited