The Racecourse Association issued an opening shot to Satellite Information Services today when giving formal notice that the joint agreement held between the two parties over racecourse coverage will be terminated on April 30 2002.
However, they remain keen for SIS to table a new deal by September 30 of this year offering improved terms for the racecourses they represent.
The agreement in place at present which started in 1987 and was renewed in August 1993 is worth around £13 million per annum and the RCA would be looking for a considerably higher figure.
The RCA has withdrawn Malcolm Armstrong, the RCA Finance Director, from the SIS board. However, it has recently re-iterated that it remains keen to work with SIS if more beneficial terms can be agreed.
SIS director George Irvine was keen to play down the significance of the announcement, saying: 'The current deal expires in April 2002 and two years notice must be given - this is nothing more than a formality.'-PA
