The three Melbourne metropolitan clubs and Country Racing Victoria have acquired racing papers Best Bets and Winning Post for $8.6 million, as the assets from the beleaguered TVN are divided up.
Fairfax Media understands the Victorian clubs clearly outbid Racing NSW for the two publications. However NSW have acquired the database of Racing Network.
It is understood Racing NSW was keen to grab the Racing Network database and believes it can become a successful digital operation.
TVN will finally be turned off on March 15. The same day will also mark the official end of the relationship between Racing NSW and the Victorian racing clubs.
It's understood Winning Post and Best Bets are viewed as good acquisitions for racing in Victoria but both have come at a heavy cost.
Years ago, both publications were purchased by TVN in a bid to boost their racing asset base.
However they were purchased for millions of dollars more than what many believed was the correct price.
Race clubs in Victoria are still negotiating with Tabcorp over the media and vision rights for racing in this state.
Fairfax Media understands that Tabcorp officials met Victorian club officials again on Thursday.
The continued sticking point for any closure is over who will get the international rights in the future.
However it's understood that a deal of $25 million a year over eight years will end up being the preferred option.
Racing NSW took just two weeks to cement a deal with Tabcorp over their vision rights.
