An Internet site that allows users to download past performances and make wagers has been launched by Arena Leisure, the owner of six British racecourses. The Web site, www.attheraces.co.uk, is owned by Arena, BskyB, and Channel 4.

"This is an innovative site which will carry live video and audio from the 49 course courses together with on-line betting opportunities."

Bettors will be able to handicap the races by using profiles of horses from the attheraces database and races can be viewed live on the Internet.

The company expects to provide an attheraces digital television channel in May.