Racecourse Media Group (RMG), an umbrella organization for UK racecourses, announced the appointment of a new managing director ahead of the Randox Grand National. The organization added that the upcoming event will be covered by over 30 broadcasters.
RMG Appoints Industry Expert as Managing Director
According to RMG’s official announcement, Russell Ferris will join its leadership team as managing director. The group clarified that Ferris, who is currently serving as CEO of Weatherbys, will step into his new role on August 18.
RMG described the appointee as an experienced industry powerhouse with a track record spanning some 20 years. No stranger to racing, Ferris has previously served as managing director of Limerick Racecourse and director, Ireland, for At the Races.
Ferris joined Weatherbys Ireland in 2016 and was promoted to group CEO just three years later. He is currently sitting as NED on the boards of Racing Digital and Venture Bio.
With robust experience in senior management and directorial positions in the racing industry, Ferris was deemed to be a perfect fit for RMG.
Ferris Is Excited to Join the RMG Family
Nick Mills, CEO of RMG, said that he is looking forward to welcoming the appointee to the group. Mills praised Ferris’ expertise and lauded him as a highly regarded industry professional. The CEO clarified that Russell’s new role will be to “oversee and further align the Commercial and Broadcast departments and help take the business to new levels in terms of innovation, engagement and revenues.”
Ferris thanked Weatherbys’ team for having him as CEO and said that he believes he is leaving the company in good hands. At the same time, Ferris said that he is glad to join RMG and accept a “new challenge.
RMG play a pivotal role within the industry both domestically and internationally, and I am excited by the company’s vision to further enhance the sport’s appeal, reach and engagement to ensure a bright future for all.
Russell Ferris, MD appointee, RMG
The Randox Grand National Will Reach Millions of Fans
In the meantime, the Randox Grand National is just around the corner. Set to take place at Aintree Racecourse on April 5, the event will once again provide fans and bettors with unforgettable experiences.
According to RMG, more than 30 broadcasters will showcase the most famous Jumps race in the world to an international community of racing enthusiasts. The group clarified that broadcasters will show the race in approximately 170 countries.
This means that the popular race will reach millions of racing aficionados, allowing them to watch the 34 runners tackle the 30 unique fences live.
RMG listed a few of the most popular broadcasters, which include the following:
- FanDuel (US)
- Setanta (Europe)
- SuperSport (Africa)
- ESPN (LATAM and Caribbean)
RMG added that this year a few new broadcasters will be joining the fray. According to the organization, the following will be showing the race for the first time ever:
- FanCode (India)
- Charlton (Israel)
- D-Smart (Turkey)
- Sportsnet (Canada)
In addition to that, fans on selected airlines and cruise lines will be able to watch the race via the Sport 24 network. At the same time, Fox Sports will include highlights on its American network, while CNN will cover the race for its flagship World Sport program. Trans World Sport, on the other hand, will provide added exposure, while coverage of the race will be available on Reuters.
The Jockey Club Is Excited to Showcase the Event to an International Audience
Dickon White, Aintree and North West regional director at The Jockey Club commented on the matter, expressing excitement about the international audience that will see the race.
We have a truly global television audience, as befits the most famous Jumps race on the planet, and we’re grateful to RMG and HBA Media for making that happen. We hope our audiences around the world enjoy the 177th running of the Randox Grand National and what is one of sport’s greatest spectacles.
Dickon White, Aintree and North West regional director, The Jockey Club
The full list of broadcasters is available on RMG’s official website.