The sports betting brand of The Sun newspaper has signed a three-year deal beginning next year to sponsor the three-mile hurdling race, which will be known as the Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle.
First run with its current race conditions in 1972, the race reverts to its original Stayers’ title after being named the World Hurdle since 2004.
The race is one of the highlights of The Festival at Cheltenham and next year takes place on St Patrick’s Thursday, March 16th.
“As an authorised betting partner we are delighted to welcome the opportunity to be associated with the Cheltenham Festival and sponsor a race as prestigious as the Stayers’ Hurdle,” said Tim Reynolds, head of public relations for Sun Bets. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Cheltenham, which further cements our commitment to British racing.”
Ian Renton, the Jockey Club’s regional director for Cheltenham and the South West, said he was delighted to welcome Sun Bets to Cheltenham.
“As one of the two feature races on the third day of the festival, St Patrick’s Thursday, I am sure that Sun Bets will find sponsorship of the Stayers’ Hurdle hugely rewarding,” he said. “The race title reverts to its original handle the Stayers’ Hurdle and we look forward to many successful runnings under the Sun Bets’ banner.”
source : www.gamingintelligence.com
