Horse racing news: William Hill become first headline sponsor of Cheltenham Showcase meeting
William Hill are delighted to announce their sponsorship of Cheltenham’s two-day Showcase meeting, becoming the first headline sponsor of the curtain-raiser event of the National Hunt season.
The meeting begins on Friday and sees the leading bookmaker launch the Jumps season alongside their backing of Saturday’s Group One Futurity Stakes at Doncaster and Sunday’s Old Roan Chase at Aintree.
Supporting British racing
This sponsorship sees William Hill follow on from their backing of the Showcase Saturday in 2024 and kickstarts the National Hunt season with five sponsored races, including the £100,000 William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase on Saturday.
The leading bookmaker’s support of top-class British racing doesn’t stop there, with the Group One William Hill Futurity Stakes bringing the curtain down on the Flat season at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon.
Attention then turns to Aintree, where the William Hill Old Roan Chase is one of four sponsored races on the card, won en route to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory by Kauto Star, no less.
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Strengthening community partnerships
Mark Howarth, William Hill’s director of racing, said: “We’re thrilled to be headline sponsors of the William Hill Showcase meeting this year.
“This meeting really is where the Jumps season kicks off, and we can’t wait to be at the home of National Hunt racing to see the beginning of another enthralling campaign.
“Alongside Cheltenham, we’re also pleased to announce our sponsorship of the William Hill Old Roan Chase on Sunday at Aintree.
“This race has been a fantastic starting point for the seasons of some modern greats, and we’re excited to further strengthen our relationship with the Jockey Club with this partnership.
“Let’s hope there’s another Kauto Star ready to burst onto the scene on Sunday!
“With sponsorships at Cheltenham, Aintree, and of course Doncaster’s Group One Futurity Stakes, we are delighted to continue supporting British racing and cannot wait for the weekend to start early on Friday at Prestbury Park and Town Moor.”
Daniel Glavin, betting partnerships manager at the Jockey Club, said: “We’re thrilled to be strengthening our longstanding partnership with William Hill as they become the first-ever title sponsor of Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting.
“Their continued support across both codes of British racing is clear, and adding this weekend's Cheltenham fixture and Old Roan Chase to their existing sponsorship of Aintree's Boxing Day meeting and the William Hill County Hurdle at The Festival highlights their commitment in a big way.
“We’re looking forward to a fantastic few days of racing to kick off the Jumps season in style.”
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