Magners signs four-year Gold Cup deal
Cheltenham to have first ‘presenting partner’ Dettori appeal against ban set for Tuesday
Magners Irish Cider has been unveiled as the new exclusive sponsor of the Cheltenham Gold Cup from next year. The four-year agreement between Magners and Jockey Club Racecourses will see the first Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup run on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Under the agreement, which will run until 2022, Magners Irish Cider will also become the presenting partner across all four days of the Festival. This will be branded as “The Festival, presented by Magners”.
Jason Ash, chief marketing officer of C&C Group plc, said: “Magners Cider is 100 per cent Irish, made in Clonmel, County Tipperary. Famous for our Irish heritage, sociability and positive view on life we are truly excited to put our name to the most prestigious jump race in Europe.”
Ian Renton, Cheltenham and South West Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “To work with Magners is something our whole team is hugely looking forward to. I believe this partnership with a brand of provenance and heritage like Magners will provide a big opportunity for both parties. As well as looking forward to staging the first Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup, 2019 will be the first time the Festival has had a presenting partner to promote the whole event to an even wider audience.”
Frankie Dettori’s appeal against the 10-day ban he incurred at Newmarket last week will be heard at 9.30am on Tuesday.
The rider finished second in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes, but was suspended after the stewards found him guilty of careless riding. He was adjudged to have allowed his mount to shift right without sufficient correction, with three horses suffering interference.
The suspension, if upheld, would rule him out of Ascot’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said earlier this week the appeal would be against “both finding and penalty”.