YORK EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH SKY BET TO INCLUDE THE EBOR FESTIVAL
York Racecourse has announced that it is extending its existing sponsorship agreements with Sky Bet to include the Ebor Festival.
The new agreement will cover the Sky Bet Melrose Stakes, a £50,000 handicap to be run on the final day of the Ebor Festival, Friday, August 22, as well as the Group Three £60,000 Sky Bet Strensall Stakes, which has moved from York’s September meeting to form part of Ebor Festival Friday.
The sponsorship will also include support for the Sky Bet Leading Rider of the Ebor Festival - a title that is sure to be keenly contested over the 24 race programme.
Commenting on the news, William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York, said: "The first ever Friday of an Ebor Festival offers a chance to support a new initiative and we are delighted that Sky Bet has once again agreed to support York in such a venture.
"The Sky Bet Melrose has had its prize money doubled as part of the new arrangements and I think the race has real potential to blossom. As three-time victor Frankie Dettori will tell you, the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes is a great race to win and is now worth even more money as part of the Ebor Festival."
The total prize money for the Ebor Festival has been boosted by over £300,000 to a record £2.7 million with nine Group races, four heritage handicaps and no race offering less than £30,000.
William Derby continued: "The support of Sky Bet for York is tremendous; the £100,000 Sky Bet York Stakes on July 26, the Yorkshire Summer Racing Festival and now their backing of the Ebor Festival. It’s a great partnership."
Harrogate-based Sky Bet, an industry leader in interactive and internet betting, is a long standing supporter of York having been the sponsor that helped launch the popular Music Showcase Racedays in late July, featuring the Group Two Sky Bet York Stakes and the Sky Bet Dash.
Speaking on behalf of Sky Bet, PR Director Dale Tempest said: "The fourth day of the Ebor Festival was a fantastic opportunity for both York and Sky Bet to further enhance our existing partnership and produce a high quality card that will be the perfect end to the highlight of the northern Flat season. We are delighted to have secured the sponsorship."
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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