Viewers seem disappointed with ITV's debut day of horse racing coverage

It’s been a rainy start to ITV’s racing coverage in 2017.

CHANNEL 4 RACING retired to pasture as we turned in to 2017 with ITV taking up the broadcasting on a four-year deal from today.

Since acquiring the exclusive broadcasting rights in 2013, Channel 4 Racing’s ratings dropped, particularly for meetings at Epsom and Ascot, which prompted the changeover.

The new deal will see ITV airing almost 100 days of racing each year, which amounts to 34 fixtures on ITV’s main channel and 60 on ITV4, as well as a Saturday morning magazine show on ITV4 to replace the ’The Morning Line’ which was part of the Channel 4 Racing package.

Today was the maiden day of their coverage at Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day fixture and the viewers seem largely unimpressed with the quality.

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

#ITVRacing given the big build up I'm very disappointed with @itvracing AP looks embarrassed team meeting required @chamberlinsport
— Ste Russell (@steruss56) January 1, 2017

Stephen Russell / Twitter

Loving the inclusion of Minnie Ripperton's "Les Fleurs" as the backing track for when they are doing the odds on @itvracing #ITVRacing
— Damien Stringer (@damientheduke) January 1, 2017

Damien Stringer / Twitter

What a refreshing change. Really enjoying #ITVRacing a great balance of information and entertainment!
— Lady Somerset (@LadySomerset) January 1, 2017

Lady Somerset / Twitter

@itvracing picked a great day to make its outside broadcasting debut! Good coverage so far but keep cleaning those lenses 😂
— Chris Nelson (@chrisnelson147) January 1, 2017

Chris Nelson / Twitter

Quite surprised how good @itvracing has been so far! Refreshing change 🐎
— Liam Halse (@lhalse1) January 1, 2017

Liam Halse / Twitter

Good start from @itvracing just missing @SimonHolt3
— Wood (@swoodley87) January 1, 2017

Simon Woodley / Twitter

@itvracing would be sooooo much better without @MCYeeehaaa , sorry, #notmycupoftea
— NSP66 (@NeilPugh5) January 1, 2017

Neil Pugh / Twitter

I know people will slate me but this #ITVRacing is woeful. Being better than Ch4 doesn't mean it's good. #HorseRacing #Cheltenham
— Dave McManus (@dave_jmcmanus) January 1, 2017

Dave McManus / Twitter

missing Channel4Racing already 😢 it's just not the same on ITV, hoping it will grow on me 🏇🏇🏇
— Geordie Mama (@TraceyWallwork1) January 1, 2017

Geordie Mama / Twitter

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

@Channel4Racing miss you.
— Robert Cappadona (@RobCappadona) January 1, 2017

Robert Cappadona / Twitter

@Channel4Racing can you not come back @itvracing not good enough so far.
— Paul Gallacher (@pgallcfc) January 1, 2017

Paul Gallacher / Twitter

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Viewers seem disappointed with ITV's debut day of horse racing coverage

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Irish jockey Bryan Cooper set for lengthy layoff after fracturing his pelvis

We’re only one day in, but Olivier Giroud already has Goal of 2017 wrapped up