Ayr Racecourse has announced the continuation of its partnership with Virgin Bet and LiveScore Bet for the highly anticipated Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival, set to take place from September 19 to 21, 2024. As one of the most prestigious events in the UK horse racing calendar, this ongoing collaboration promises not only exhilarating race action but also a heightened focus on public safety through the integration of the WalkSafe app, Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner.
A Continuing Partnership
Virgin Bet and LiveScore Bet are returning as title sponsors, a role they have held for the past three years, solidifying their commitment to Ayr Racecourse and the Gold Cup Festival. This enduring partnership highlights the strong synergy between the brands and the venue, as evidenced by the success of previous editions of the festival.
The pinnacle of the event, the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup, will be run on Saturday, September 21, drawing racing enthusiasts from across the country. Last year’s thrilling race saw Significantly, a horse trained by Julie Camacho and ridden by jockey Joe Fanning, claim the prestigious victory, etching its name in the annals of Ayr’s rich racing history.
In addition to the Gold Cup, other notable races will return, including the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup and the Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Firth of Clyde Stakes. These races have consistently provided spectators with top-tier racing action, cementing the festival’s reputation as one of the key events of the flat racing season.
Elevating Safety with WalkSafe App Integration
In a move that sets this year’s festival apart, Virgin Bet has partnered with WalkSafe, a personal safety app designed to enhance the safety of festival-goers. As part of Virgin Bet’s broader “A Good Bet” initiative, which aims to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for all, the WalkSafe app will be made available to attendees, helping them navigate their surroundings more securely.
The WalkSafe app is specifically designed to provide real-time information about users’ environments, helping them plan safer routes home after the day’s races. This focus on public safety is not only a reflection of Virgin Bet’s commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere but also addresses growing concerns around personal safety at major public events.
Dominic Vye, Marketing Director at Virgin Bet, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to announce Virgin Bet and LiveScore Bet’s sponsorship with Ayr Racecourse once again this year. The past three years have been a huge success and have allowed us to deliver some incredible rewards and initiatives to the Ayr Racecourse community.”
Vye also highlighted the strategic value of integrating WalkSafe into the festival, noting that it’s an important addition to Virgin Bet’s broader corporate responsibility efforts. “Public safety is a key focus for us. The introduction of WalkSafe at the festival shows our dedication to not only providing an exceptional experience but also ensuring the well-being of everyone in attendance,” he added.
A Legacy of Success
Ayr Racecourse and Virgin Bet have developed a longstanding partnership, underpinned by shared values of excellence and community engagement. Lindsey Smith, Marketing Manager at Ayr Racecourse, expressed her excitement about the continued collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with Virgin Bet and LiveScore Bet at Ayr Racecourse and look forward to hosting another fantastic edition of the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup, an iconic event in the racing calendar.”
Smith also highlighted the festival’s broader impact on the local community and racing fans alike. “The Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival is not just a race; it’s an event that brings together people from all walks of life, and we are thrilled to work with partners who share our vision of inclusivity and safety.”
Virgin Bet’s Expanding Presence in UK Racing
In addition to its role at the Ayr Gold Cup Festival, Virgin Bet has also recently expanded its footprint within UK racing. Earlier this week, the brand was announced as the new partner and raceday sponsor for Chester Racecourse, one of the oldest and most historic tracks in the country. This new sponsorship marks another significant step for Virgin Bet as it continues to strengthen its presence in the world of horse racing.
Both partnerships at Ayr and Chester underline Virgin Bet’s ongoing commitment to the sport, with a focus on delivering premium racing experiences and innovative fan engagement initiatives. The company’s growing portfolio of racecourse sponsorships is seen as part of a broader strategy to align with high-profile, heritage-rich events, reinforcing its brand within the competitive sports betting market.
A Look Ahead: What to Expect at the 2024 Festival
As racing fans look forward to the 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival, there is much to anticipate. With three days of top-class racing, the event will undoubtedly attract a large and enthusiastic crowd. Beyond the headline races, the festival will feature a range of attractions for attendees, including hospitality packages, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, ensuring there is something for everyone.
This year, the integration of WalkSafe underscores the festival’s evolving approach to public safety, adding another layer of comfort and security for all attendees. The combination of thrilling race action and an emphasis on safety makes the 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival a standout event in the UK’s racing calendar.
Public Safety and Responsible Gambling: Core to Virgin Bet’s Initiatives
Alongside its sponsorship of major racing events, Virgin Bet is committed to promoting responsible gambling. Through its “A Good Bet” initiative, the company has introduced a series of measures designed to encourage safer betting practices and create a more welcoming environment for all participants. The integration of the WalkSafe app into this year’s Ayr Gold Cup Festival is part of that broader strategy, aimed at ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved, from racegoers to the wider Ayr community.
The emphasis on personal safety, coupled with responsible betting initiatives, reflects Virgin Bet’s commitment to making horse racing accessible, enjoyable, and secure for all. By prioritizing both the thrill of the race and the well-being of attendees, Virgin Bet is setting a new standard for sponsorship in the world of UK horse racing.
The 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival is shaping up to be an unmissable event, blending the excitement of top-tier horse racing with a strong focus on public safety and community engagement. With Virgin Bet and LiveScore Bet once again at the helm as title sponsors, racegoers can look forward to a spectacular celebration of sport, culminating in the prestigious Gold Cup race.
The integration of WalkSafe, Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner, adds a forward-thinking element to the festival, ensuring that attendees not only enjoy the races but do so with peace of mind. As the festival grows in both prestige and scope, this year’s event promises to offer something truly special for racing fans and the local community alike.
With its strong partnership with Ayr Racecourse, Virgin Bet continues to enhance its role as a key player in UK horse racing, delivering memorable experiences on and off the track.