Channel 4’s Grand National bet pays off with 8.9m viewers
Broadcaster Channel 4 has emerged as one of the biggest winners from this weekend’s Grand National race after the channel revealed its coverage had drawn 8.9m viewers at its peak.
Though a drop of 2m from what the BBC achieved in its final broadcast of the famous meet it was still regarded as a ‘very positive’ outcome by race authorities as in past years the BBC’s results had been below what Channel 4 managed.
Anyone wishing to check up on the progress of their favoured steed was obligated to tune into Clare Balding’s coverage of the race this year as Channel 4 had won the exclusive terrestrial rights to the annual event.
Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4's sports editor, said: “We are delighted to be broadcasters of this iconic race. Congratulations to Aintree for putting on such a fabulous spectacle for our viewers.
"Channel 4 has shown this week our commitment to this fantastic sport and I would like to congratulate IMG [the production company] for their coverage across the three-day meeting. It's a super start to our four-year deal and we look forward to coming back next year."