Channel 4 at the online races

Channel 4 has bolstered its horse racing coverage by providing registered users with a live online betting service.

The network has teamed up with betting exchange operator Betdaq, following the channel’s recent launch of a website dedicated to racing to compliment its television coverage.

The news comes after the channel announced last week that it was reconsidering its exclusive horse racing coverage. Head of Sport David Kerr said: “At a time when the future of horse racing on Channel 4 is uncertain we are actively pursuing ways to generate commercial return from the sport and a betting exchange is a logical way of achieving this. It is a further addition to the comprehensive service that we already provide punters.'

Betdaq spokesman Rob Hartnett added: “This partnership with Channel 4 will bring the concept to an even broader audience and further hasten the growth of a sector that has risen from nothing to an estimated annual turnover in excess of £2bn a year in four short years.'