Racecourse Media Group landed an exclusive two-year distribution deal with Bahrain Turf Club. The contract covers 29 race fixtures from the Gulf kingdom. RMG will handle broadcasting for the Bahrain International Trophy on 14 November, which features a $1m prize.
The media group isn’t working alone. They’ve partnered with Arena Racing Company to push content through GBI Racing, their existing joint venture. Ed Veale, who directs racing and international business at Bahrain Turf Club, called it an extension of their “long-standing relationship” with RMG.
RMG CEO Nick Mills said the deal adds distribution to their current production, broadcast and advertising agreements with Bahrain.
Why This Distribution Rights Matter
The GBI Racing venture reaches about 10,000 betting shops worldwide. It also connects to over 100 digital platforms globally. That’s significant reach for Bahrain’s racing content.
Mills specifically mentioned working with ARC to “increase audiences and revenues” for the turf club. More viewers typically means better betting handle and stronger commercial opportunities.
This comes after RMG appointed Russell Ferris as managing director back in April. He officially started that role in August.
What the Contract Covers
The Bahrain racing season runs from 31 October through 17 April. Eight horses will compete in the 2025 International Trophy. They represent Britain, Ireland, France, the UAE and Bahrain itself.
But there’s more than just the Trophy. The season also includes the Bahrain Turf Series, which awards another $1m prize to its winner. That’s $2m in total prize money across the season’s major events.
ARC’s managing director for media and international, Brendan Parnell, said they’re “very excited” about being part of Bahrain’s distribution plans for the next two seasons.
How This Shapes Racing Distribution
RMG continues building its international racing portfolio with this agreement. The company already handles production and broadcast services for Bahrain. Now they control distribution too.
ARC benefits by expanding GBI Racing’s content offerings. More premium racing content gives the joint venture stronger positioning with betting operators and digital customers.
For Bahrain Turf Club, the deal means guaranteed exposure across RMG’s established networks. They get their fixtures in front of betting audiences in multiple markets simultaneously.
The timing works well for Bahrain. Their season launches just as European racing winds down for winter. That creates a window where betting shops need quality content to fill schedules.
