London
18th February, 2002
 

>From Friday, 3rd May Channel 4's racing coverage will join the racing
revolution under the new title of Channel4 attheraces to coincide with the
launch of the new seven-day a week attheraces digital channel (launched -
May 1).  This will be combined with the introduction of a new title sequence
and programme graphics.

Starting at Newmarket's Guineas meeting, racing will be brought to
terrestrial viewers by Channel4 attheraces which will continue to be
presented by the channel's award winning commentary team comprising ALASTAIR
DOWN, MIKE CATTERMOLE, JOHN FRANCOME, SIMON HOLT, LESLEY GRAHAM, GRAHAM
GOODE, JOHN McCRIRICK, JIM McGRATH, WALTER SWINBURN and DEREK THOMPSON; and
produced by HIGHFLYER PRODUCTIONS.  Channel4 attheraces will continue to
feature the best racing via it regular weekly coverage.  The Morning Line
and principal races will also be available on the attheraces digital
channel.

The new title sequence, conceived by Chrysalis Creative, shows the thrills
of being a punter through close-up shots of animated racegoers inter-cut
with a beautifully shot racing sequence.  For a modern approach, x-rays of
horses have been creatively overlaid onto galloping images to achieve an
artistic impression of the strength and grace of a racehorse in motion.  All
graphics and title sequences incorporate the attheraces colour scheme of
deep, vibrant shades of red and yellow.

The new Channel4 attheraces music was specially commissioned for the project
with Steve Duberry successfully producing a contemporary and emotive track
to compliment the new sequences.

Channel 4 Head of Sport David Kerr feels that the new look, new era
terrestrial coverage is an essential element to the attheraces deal.  "This
is all about creating a more contemporary feel to our racing coverage that
will make the sport more attractive to younger viewers.  Combined with the
launch of the new attheraces digital channel and the forthcoming interactive
betting, on Channel 4, this is the sport's best opportunity yet to expand
its TV audience."

Press contact:          Hannah Walker,  Channel 4 on 07971 598287
Ends:                           Wednesday, 1st May 2002