VIEWERS of terrestrial television are assured of all five English classics until the year 2001 thanks to a new contract between Channel 4 and a consortium of leading racecourses.

In addition to the Guineas, the Derby, Oaks and St Leger, 12 of the other 20 Group One races of the Flat season will be screened on Channel 4.

Andrew Franklin, producer of Channel 4 Racing, said: "We are given air time by Channel 4 to allow the sport to breathe and I like to think we have given it fresh vigour over the years. We look forward to continuing this policy."