News Release 

Tuesday 6th April 2010 

New sponsor for the Irish Grand National2011 Ladbrokes Irish Grand National

Fairyhouse Racecourse today announced Ladbrokes as the new sponsor of Ireland’s richest handicap steeplechase, The Irish Grand National.

The bookmaker has signed a three year deal to sponsor the feature race at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival. The first Ladbrokes Irish Grand National will take place on Easter Monday 25th April 2011. 

Caroline Gray, General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse said:-  “We are obviously thrilled to have signed a three year deal with Ladbrokes to sponsor our feature race. To sign such a lucrative contract a year in advance gives us a fantastic opportunity to bed down the sponsorship and work with Ladbrokes in building a wonderful campaign for 2011.“

“As existing sponsors and our on-course bookmaker we have a great relationship with Ladbrokes and are very much looking forward to working with their team. They have some fantastic ideas and should bring a fresh approach to the race and the festival as a whole. “

“Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has made this race their own during their sponsorship which spanned 40 years and we are delighted that they are continuing their long association with Fairyhouse through their ongoing sponsorship of the Powers Gold Cup.” 

Commenting on the new sponsorship deal Joe Lewins, Managing Director of Ladbrokes (Ireland) Ltd. said:- “This race is regarded as the biggest National Hunt contest in Ireland, and as the largest bookmaking firm in Ireland, we see this as an ideal partnership. It is a highly prestigious event with appeal that reaches beyond the racing network to the wider public. It is a huge social event of historic importance which we plan to develop even further. “

“The Irish Grand National is another addition to our expansive sponsorship portfolio and we feel, in these times particularly, it is important to contribute in the preservation of a proud sporting tradition in Ireland. We have already started on plans for next year’s festival that will hopefully enhance the overall experience for racegoers and punters alike. We have had a great relationship with the staff at Fairyhouse and we very much look forward to working with them over the coming year to ensure the 2011 Ladbrokes Irish Grand National will be spectacular and a wonderful experience for all involved.”

…Ends…

For more information contact: 

Caroline Gray, General Manager Fairyhouse Racecourse Tel: 01 825 6167 Mobile: 087 8510007; Email: cgray@fairyhouseracecourse.ie Or

Hayley O’Connor, Ladbrokes PR Manager,  Hayley.OConnor@ladbrokes.ieMobile: 087 0629067

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