Paddy Power has strengthened its commitment to Irish racing after being named as the new sponsor of the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown Racecourse.
The €250,000 Grade 1 chase, first run in 1987, is considered to be one of the highlights of Dublin Racing Festival and will be run on the second day of the Festival at Leopardstown on Sunday, February 2.
Paul Mallon, Head of Brand Marketing (Ireland) for Paddy Power, commented on the new agreement: “Sports fans bang on about the exploits of Katie Taylor, Shane Lowry, Rachael Blackmore and the emerging crop of young football talent – but let’s not forget that some of the most consistent Irish winners have four legs, not two. The Dublin Racing Festival presents some of the highest-calibre horses to a country that loves its racing, and we’re delighted to be on board for this.”
Patrick Desmond, Racing Director for Paddy Power Betfair, added:“This is the third year of the Dublin Racing Festival and it has now established itself as the definitive pre-Cheltenham race meeting. It’s quality over quantity and with the Irish being so dominant at Cheltenham (and Aintree) the past few years this year’s renewal is a massive draw. We’re likely to have the favourite of 10 of the Cheltenham Grade 1’s running as well as many who will have big chances at the Cheltenham handicaps.”
As well as its sponsorship of the Irish Gold Cup, Paddy Power will also sponsor the second day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival as well as the opening day of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend.
Tim Husbands, CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse, concluded: “I’m really excited to extend our partnership with top-class brand Paddy Power, the new sponsor of the Irish Gold Cup. Over the past three decades the race has provided some fantastic racing memories for racegoers.
“Our combined aim is to ensure the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup continues to showcase the competitiveness and the quality of racing in Ireland. Dublin Racing Festival is entering its third year and this partnership will further strengthen it as one of the best weekends of racing in Europe.”
