Maybe exclusive live coverage of the finish in Hobart (currently it is covered by all media outlets), plus a highlights show?
The current arrangement is that the footage from during the race is captured by the ABC, so either Nine would need to get their own cameras out there, organise links for interviews, etc, or hope that the ABC films a lot of usable footage.
The first of the “Race to the Melbourne Cup Carnival” just began on Nine (aedt). Tony Jones is the host. Showcasing on some racing events that Nine has from next weekend onwards.
According to her Instagram, Francesca Cumani was at Royal Ascot last weekend working as a commentator for ITV’s coverage of British Champions Day (the last day of the UK racing season), then she flew straight to Melbourne to be part of Nine’s horse racing coverage.
Nine this morning (11.00-11.30am) airing “2023 Melbourne Cup Official Film”, a 30 minute show that relives last years Cup.
Coming up on 9Go!
NHL
Saturday 9 November 11:00 am
Detroit Red Wings v Maple Leafs
The 2024 National Hockey League presents Detroit Red Wings v Maple Leafs straight from Scotiabank Arena, Toronto. LIVE
NHL has never been on free TV. NHL TV has the the rights to all the games in Australia
Could this be a one-off broadcast?
The NHL Global Series was on Nine last year.
That’s incredibly random
But wasn’t that only because they were playing in Aus?
MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL
KICKS OFF THIS SATURDAY FROM 10.30AM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
The 9Network is excited to commence its live and free coverage of the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival, starting this Saturday, November 2, with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, live from 10.30am AEST on Channel 9 and 9Now.
As the official broadcaster of this iconic sporting and cultural event, Nine has assembled a dynamic team of hosts and experts to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience, celebrating the spirit, fashion, and high-stakes action that defines Cup week.
Leading the charge, Eddie McGuire will bring all the trackside excitement from Nine’s on-course studio, joined by James Bracey in the Mounting Yard, who will capture the live energy of the races. Adding her globally acclaimed expertise, Francesca Cumani will provide in-depth analysis across all four race days, ensuring fans are fully immersed in every moment.
Viewers will also be treated to insights from Grace Ramage and David Gately, who will guide fans through the racing form, while Billy Slater will share exclusive on-track interviews with winning jockeys. Tony Jones will bring audiences even closer to the action with Mounting Yard interviews, delivering an insider’s perspective.
Cup-winning jockey and Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador Michelle Payne OAM joins the team, adding her unique perspective and expertise to the coverage. Reporting live from the Birdcage, Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys, Jelena Dokic and Olympic champion Jessica Fox will bring viewers all the glitz, glamour, and celebrity buzz from Australia’s most stylish event.
The broadcast will also highlight the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s celebrated Fashions on the Field, showcasing the bold and elegant styles that define Cup week. With live-streaming options on 9Now, fans can watch exclusive fashion coverage and access additional content like preview shows, highlights and race replays, ensuring they stay across all the action wherever they are.
Following Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, the Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage continues on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday, November 5, followed by Crown Oaks Day on Thursday, November 7, and concludes with TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, November 9.
In addition, the teams from 9News Melbourne, Today, and Weekend Today, led by Alicia Loxley, Tom Steinfort, Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Clint Stanaway and Sophie Walsh, will be broadcasting live from Southbank Promenade and Flemington, adding exclusive insights to Cup week and engaging audiences with stories beyond the track.
Brent Williams, Director of Sport for the 9Network, expressed his anticipation for the carnival:
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is truly unlike any other event and we are thrilled to be bringing this incredible spectacle to all Australians. With our exceptional team and cutting-edge production, we’re ready to deliver the best seats in the house for viewers at home. This year marks the beginning of an exciting partnership with the Victoria Racing Club and Tabcorp, as we aim to elevate the carnival experience for years to come.”This year marks the first in a multi-year broadcast, media, and sponsorship agreement between the Victoria Racing Club, Tabcorp and Nine Entertainment, bringing the Melbourne Cup Carnival to audiences from 2024 to 2029.
Tune in to Nine’s Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage, kicking off with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day this Saturday at 10.30am AEST on Channel 9 and 9Now, and continuing through to TAB Champions Stakes Day on November 9.
NINE’S BIRDCAGE MARQUEE UNVEILED FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL
This morning, Nine unveiled its marquee for the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival in a vibrant launch event at Flemington Racecourse.
Our hosting lineup - Eddie McGuire, James Bracey, Billy Slater and Francesca Cumani - were on hand to share insights into Nine’s coverage plans and preview the exciting race days ahead.
The Nine Marquee, inspired by the network’s iconic dots, offers an immersive blend of art, style, and luxury, designed to bring guests the full spirit of the Carnival. Highlights include The Snug, a hidden bar offering an intimate escape, and the stunning new artwork by renowned artist Nicole Slater, depicting the legendary racehorse Verry Elleegant.
Today’s event gave media and special guests an exclusive first look at the marquee’s flowing design and elegant atmosphere, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable Melbourne Cup week.
As the official broadcast partner, Nine’s coverage of the Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day this Saturday, November 2, from 11:30 am on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Our Carnival team includes a dynamic lineup: Eddie McGuire in the on-course studio, James Bracey in the Mounting Yard, Francesca Cumani offering expert analysis, Billy Slater with exclusive jockey interviews and Tony Jones bringing live updates from the Mounting Yard.
Joining them are racing experts Grace Ramage, David Gately and Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne OAM, adding unparalleled insights across all four days of racing.
Viewers can also look forward to coverage from the Birdcage with Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys, Jelena Dokic and Olympic champion Jessica Fox capturing all the glitz, glamour, and celebrity highlights.
Viewers can also enjoy exclusive Fashions on the Field coverage on 9Now, celebrating the bold and elegant styles of Cup week. With live-streaming options and special fashion content, 9Now offers fans a front-row seat to all the glamour and creativity that define the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Additionally, 9News Melbourne, Today and Weekend Today will broadcast live from Flemington and Southbank Promenade throughout the week, led by Alicia Loxley, Tom Steinfort, Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Clint Stanaway and Sophie Walsh, bringing audiences exclusive stories from the track and beyond.
We’re pleased to share photos from today’s event, including shots of Nine’s hosting team and Nicole Slater with her artwork.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey through the Melbourne Cup Carnival!
It’ll be intriguing to see how Nine handles their Melbourne Cup Carnival broadcast, especially since it’s been years since they last covered horse racing. We all know they paid significantly more than necessary, given the VRC’s tough financial situation.
The sooner Seven regains the rights, the better it will be for everyone involved.
This is out of the schedule now. More info tomorrow
I disagree.
Unless Seven drops the Sydney events that compete with Flemington, then yes maybe. But 10 and Nine have been able to provide clear airtime to the Melbourne Cup carnival, without other events interfering.
Aren’t Nine paying less than Ten did though considering TAB’s involvement as the main rightsholder?
And one could suggest Nine would like to go after more racing, say steal more of Seven’s sports, if the opportunity arises. Rather than ‘Seven should have the Cup back just because they currently have other racing’ and that Nine were the only commercial left after Ten said no and Seven were essentially told no.
Let’s not forget, Ten were the original home of the Melbourne Cup and had it for significantly longer than Seven did anyway. Their recent short return unfortunate with various factors such as COVID, state of the advertising and TV industry, new VRC-TABCorp arrangement as well as 10’s wider ownership and related financial and audience struggles.
Melbourne Cup carnival watermark alongside the WWOS watermark. First big change from the past rights deals.