The BBC yesterday announced that Sunday Grandstand will be screened every week from this Sunday, a move which will provide a welcome shot in the arm to the corporation's racing coverage.
Previously the programme has been screened on an intermittent basis, showing sporting events largely during the summer.
But yesterday a spokesman revealed that Sunday Grandstand will now run 52 weeks a year, allowing coverage of major National Hunt races during the winter and beginning with the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown this Sunday.
"The continuous, all-year-round Sunday Grandstand will give the BBC the opportunity to cover more racing," he said. "The BBC has a contract with the French equivalent of the Jockey Club, the Societe d'Encouragement, until the year 2000, which means the Classics, all the major Group races like the Jacques le Marois, the Arc trials and the Arc itself will be included.
"This Sunday's programme includes live coverage from RTE of the Irish Champion Hurdle at 2.45 p.m..
"Next Sunday the Hennessy Gold Cup in Ireland, which looks like being a very good race, will also be covered. Further plans will be announced as and when they are scheduled."
