TAB TV is now confirmed to launch December 16 with comprehensive New Zealand and international race coverage. It will be shown in all TAB outlets and broadcast on Sky Digital Channel 35.

At the same time, Trackside will move from its existing home on Channel 35, to Sky Digital Channel 36, with a focus on New Zealand racing.

There will be no equipment changes needed for Sky Digital viewers to see both channels. The current UHF (free to air) service will continue to broadcast Trackside on Wednesday through to Sunday.

New Zealand Racing Board Chief Executive Andrew Brown said TAB TV would complement Trackside, which has 300,000 viewers a month.

“TAB TV is an exciting innovation that will provide a much needed boost to our local racing industry,” he said.

TAB TV will show more races while Trackside will offer more in-depth coverage of New Zealand racing, as well as a selection of the best international racing. There will be more build up and analysis to satisfy racing fans.

Mr Brown said customer research showed people watched Trackside for two different reasons: entertainment and betting. TAB TV is aimed at punters who want more racing events to bet on.

“Punters have told us they want more live races and we’re very pleased to be able to meet that demand,” he said.

Viewers will be able to switch easily between channels 35 and 36, depending on their preference for betting or entertainment.

TAB TV will screen all New Zealand races and where possible, full international meetings, from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, North America, South Africa, France and the United Kingdom.

Mr Brown said TAB TV is expected to generate $4 million in annual profit within three years, which will be distributed among the racing codes – greyhounds, harness racing and thoroughbreds.

“TAB TV is an important investment in the development of the racing industry, which contributes 1.3 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP and supports the livelihoods of 40,000 people,” Mr Brown said.