William Hill has been unveiled as the new sponsor of the prestigious County Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, marking a return to a marquee event in the world of jump racing. The race, scheduled for Friday, 14 March 2025, will form part of Gold Cup Day, the grand finale of the Cheltenham Festival. It is one of the Festival’s most anticipated events, often attracting a full field.
Cheltenham and William Hill Have a Rich Relationship
William Hill’s sponsorship of the County Handicap Hurdle builds upon the company’s growing relationship with The Jockey Club. The leading bookmaker has secured several other high-profile partnerships with racing events, including serving as the official betting partner for the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree and sponsoring the Grade One Formby Novices’ Hurdle during this year’s Boxing Day races in Merseyside.
William Hill has a rich history at Cheltenham, sponsoring the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase between 1998 and 2010 and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2009, 2012, and 2013. Dan Glavin, bookmaker partnerships manager at The Jockey Club, welcomed William Hill back to the Cheltenham Festival, highlighting how such a high-profile brand would further enhance the event.
We extend our thanks to William Hill for its generous support, including the sponsorship of the County Hurdle and throughout the season.
Dan Glavin, The Jockey Club bookmaker partnerships manager
The County Handicap Hurdle holds a special place in the hearts of some of the sport’s biggest names. William Hill ambassadors Sir AP McCoy and Barry Geraghty fondly remember the race. McCoy, the winner on foot of the 1998 race, remembered it as a defining moment in the career of Blowing Wind, while Dual winner Barry Geraghty described his victory on Spirit Leader as a highlight of his illustrious performances.
The Operator Seeks To Bolster Its Position in the Sector
William Hill will again participate in Cheltenham’s opening meeting of the season, The Showcase, sponsoring five races during the event. Daryl West, head of media and sponsorship at William Hill, emphasized the bookmaker’s long-standing involvement in the sport, noting that the Cheltenham Festival was the perfect opportunity to honor long-time fans.
It’s a brilliant race for William Hill to showcase our commitment to proper prices for our customers, and it’s a race that we’ve regularly offered extra places for each-way backers.
Daryl West, head of media and sponsorship at William Hill
William Hill has regularly expressed its support for all UK racing. The start of the year saw the company appoint four Irish horse racing sector representatives to its brand ambassador lineup. William Hill specifically enlisted their help in preparation for the Dublin Racing Festival, aligning with the operator’s goal to support and promote horse racing in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond.
This newest sponsorship signals that William Hill will maintain its staunch support for major racing festivals, strengthening its position in the sport. The company recorded robust financials, reflecting its strategic resilience and market adaptability that positions it well for future growth amid ever-changing industry dynamics.
