Where to Watch Sandown Park Races on 7 March 2026: ITV3's Ed Chamberlin and Richard Hoiles Lead Coverage with BBC Radio 5 Live's John Hunt

Sandown Park hosts a thrilling card of UK and Ireland racing action on Saturday, 7 March 2026, kicking off at 13:00 UK time, with prime viewing options on ITV3 and ITVX, alongside comprehensive radio coverage from BBC Radio 5 Live. Racing fans can tune into ITV3 for live television broadcasts featuring the charismatic presenter Ed Chamberlin, the authoritative main commentator Richard Hoiles, and expert pundits Tom Scudamore and Leonna Mayor, supported by reporters Oli Bell and Alice Plunkett. For those preferring audio immersion, BBC Radio 5 Live offers detailed on-course reporting from the seasoned John Hunt, ensuring every moment of the day's high-stakes jumps racing is captured[1][2][4].

The schedule at Sandown Park promises excitement across seven races on soft to good-to-soft ground, highlighted by the prestigious Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at 14:27 over 1m 7f 216y with a £51,440 prize fund and 23 declarations, alongside handicaps like the 16:45 betting.betfair.com Handicap Chase featuring runners such as Norn Iron and Toothless[1][2][3][4][6]. ITV3 and ITVX hold the terrestrial TV rights for major British jumps meetings, delivering free-to-air access that has made them a staple for racing enthusiasts since taking over from Channel 4 in 2017.

Leading the ITV Racing team, Ed Chamberlin brings his wealth of experience as one of Britain's most recognised sports presenters. With a career spanning over two decades at ITV, including iconic coverage of the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National, Chamberlin's engaging style and deep racing knowledge make him the perfect host for Sandown's marquee event. His partnership with Richard Hoiles, the lead commentator whose career highlights include calling Nicholas Cromwell's historic 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup win and numerous Champion Hurdles, guarantees vivid, expert race calls that capture the drama of every fence and flight[1][4].

Adding analytical depth are pundits Tom Scudamore, a retired top jumps jockey with nearly 1,800 career wins, including triumphs at Cheltenham and Aintree, whose insider perspective on form and tactics is invaluable. Leonna Mayor, a respected broadcaster and analyst with ITV Racing, brings her sharp insights honed from years covering major festivals and her background in equine journalism. Reporters Oli Bell, known for his pit-side interviews and stable tours, and Alice Plunkett, a former event rider turned ITV stalwart with decades of on-course reporting, will provide live updates, jockey chats, and paddock analysis throughout the afternoon[7].

On radio, John Hunt of BBC Radio 5 Live delivers unflappable commentary drawn from his extensive career, including over 20 years calling horse racing alongside football and other sports for the BBC. Hunt's calm demeanour shone during high-pressure moments like the 2021 Grand National, making him a trusted voice for listeners following Sandown's card, from the 13:15 opener to the 16:45 closer where Paul Nicholls' Toothless eyes victory[1][3].

Sandown's meeting features competitive fields primed for the spring Festivals. The 13:50 European Breeders' Fund Betfair "National Hunt" Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final boasts an 18-runner field and £45,016 to the winner, while the 16:10 Betfair Exchange Novices' Limited Handicap Chase highlights Just Over Land as a Timeform fancy[3][4][5]. With soft ground influencing tactics, expect front-runners like Norn Iron, a course winner, to thrive in the finale[1][6].

For global audiences, ITVX's streaming service offers catch-up and live options, while BBC Radio 5 Live is accessible worldwide via app and online. British viewers can also check ITV Racing on ITVX for seamless coverage. Whether watching the Imperial Cup's big prizes or tuning into radio for expert analysis, this Sandown card, elevated by its stellar broadcast team, promises unmissable jumps action on 7 March 2026.

Article generated: 7 March 2026, 13:01 GMT