Channel 4 Unveils Royal Ascot Commissions

Channel 4 has said it is to air a bespoke documentary entitled: The Trainer and the Racehorse: The Legend of Frankel, ahead of this year's Royal Ascot coverage.

In recognition of the late Sir Henry Cecil, the one-hour documentary will broadcast on Saturday, 13th June at 7pm. It tells the story of how Frankel became the ultimate champion racehorse and transformed the last years of charismatic trainer Sir Henry Cecil.

Commissioned by Channel 4's David Glover, The Trainer and the Racehorse: The Legend of Frankel, has been produced by Oxford Scientific Films.

Underlining its commitment to Royal Ascot, which takes place from June 16 to 20, the channel has also announced its presenting team and features.

All 30 Royal Ascot races will be broadcast live, with approximately 30 hours of live coverage across the week beginning daily at 8am with The Morning Line, with afternoon racing from 1:40 – 6:00pm plus bespoke evening highlights programmes.

Clare Balding will lead the presenting team, which will include analysis from Nick Luck, Jim McGrath and Graham Cunningham. Principal commentator, Simon Holt, will be supported by Richard Hoiles across the five-day meeting, while reporters Emma Spencer, Mick Fitzgerald and Rishi Persad will help bring viewers closer to the action with exclusive access to the Ascot stables, jockeys' changing room and stewards' room. Tanya Stevenson will be on-hand to relay the betting markets with Brian Gleeson offering an Irish perspective.

In addition, Gina Harding will present Channel 4's 'Inside Ascot'. This feature strand will broadcast throughout the week with behind-the-scenes access from the Royal Racecourse. There will also be a range of racing features to complement the live action.

Fashion expert and award-winning presenter, Gok Wan, also re-joins Channel 4 Racing's 2015 Royal Ascot team, and a number of fashion features have been produced to complement the event's coverage.

Channel 4's Head of Live Events and Special Programmes, Ed Havard, and Commissioning Editor for Sport, Steve Lyle, have worked with IMG to produce coverage of Royal Ascot 2015.

Commenting on the coverage plans, Mr Lyle said: "Royal Ascot is even more than great racing. It's one of the greatest sporting and social events of the summer, and this is reflected in our comprehensive coverage."

www.channel4.com

(JP)