@skybet @cheltenhamraces Sky Bet to sponsor Supreme Novices' Hurdle and other races on the "Road To Cheltenham"

Cheltenham Racecourse is pleased to announce Sky Bet as the new sponsor of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

A five-year deal will see the Leeds-based bookmaker lend its support to the traditional curtain raiser at The Festival. Run over an extended two miles, the roll of honour for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle includes such Festival legends as Flyingbolt, L'Escargot, Bula, Golden Cygnet, Buck House, Hors La Loi III and Brave Inca.

 

Sky Bet will also support two Grade Two novices' hurdles on "The Road To Cheltenham". They are:

The Skybet Supreme Novices' Trial Hurdle Race (Registered As The Sharp Novices' Hurdle), Grade Two - Cheltenham, Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Trial Hurdle (Registered as the Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle), Grade Two - Haydock Park, Saturday, January 18, 2014

Sky Bet is also looking to expand the series further ahead of the March showpiece.

Peter McNeile, Head of Sponsorship at Cheltenham Racecourse, commented: "I am really pleased that Sky Bet will be sponsoring this Supreme Novices' Hurdle for the next three years.

"This is the company's first major sponsorship at Cheltenham and to position it with such a prominent race in the Supreme Novices' is great.

"Like a lot of the championship races that are run at The Festival, we have built the deal around some of the races that lead to the Supreme Novices', which will help to drive the narrative of the sponsorship.

"I am already, like I'm sure the team at Sky Bet are as well, looking forward to the traditional roar from the crowd at the start of the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' to signify the start of The Festival."

Michael Shinners, Horse Racing PR Manager at Sky Bet, added: "Sky Bet is delighted to be sponsoring the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle. 

"Being the first race of the most eagerly-awaited meeting of the season, means it has a special place in the hearts of racing fans. It is a fantastic championship race and has been a stepping stone to greatness for many horses over the years. 

"The 2014 renewal already looks likely to continue the trend.  The Sky Bet-sponsored contests in the build-up are top quality races in their own right and alongside the Sky Bet Supreme Novices, make for a mouth-watering series through the autumn and winter.

"With Sky Bet now offering the Best Odds Guaranteed concession on all UK and Irish races, this sponsorship further strengthens what we already believe to be one of the best racing products in the marketplace."