Leading bookmaker William Hill has recently signed a three-year sponsorship deal to become the Official Betting Partner of the prestigious Grand National Festival at Aintree. The agreement includes sponsorship of three televised races during the three-day event, further solidifying William Hill’s commitment to horse racing. The company’s Head of Sponsorship, Social & PR, Daryl West, expressed delight at the partnership, emphasizing the significance of the Grand National Festival in the sporting calendar. This collaboration follows William Hill’s recent appointment of renowned former Jump jockey and 2003 National winner, Barry Geraghty, as a brand ambassador.
The Grand National Festival:
The Grand National Festival, held from 13-15 April 2023, is a highly anticipated event in the National Hunt calendar. Aintree Racecourse, its iconic venue, welcomes both seasoned racing enthusiasts and casual spectators for an unforgettable experience. With its storied history, the festival represents a pivotal moment for William Hill to support not only the sport’s premier race, the Grand National itself, but also the overall event.
William Hill’s Involvement:
As the Official Betting Partner, William Hill’s presence and support during the festival are of paramount importance. Their sponsorship encompasses three key races: the Grade 1 William Hill Aintree Hurdle on Thursday, the William Hill Handicap Hurdle on Friday, and the Grade 3 William Hill Handicap Chase on Saturday. Notably, the latter race directly precedes the highly anticipated Randox Grand National, adding to the excitement surrounding William Hill’s involvement. This partnership reaffirms the bookmaker’s dedication to horse racing, which has long been an integral part of its heritage.
Renowned Ambassadors:
In addition to the sponsorship deal, William Hill has strategically appointed respected figures from the racing world as its brand ambassadors. Joining the esteemed roster of Sir AP McCoy, Leonna Mayor, and Nick Luck is the accomplished former Jump jockey and 2003 National winner, Barry Geraghty. This collaboration with such esteemed individuals underlines William Hill’s commitment to promoting the sport and engaging with a broad audience.
Market Predictions:
With anticipation building for this year’s Grand National Festival, William Hill provided insights into the market favorites. The current front-runner, Noble Yeats, who emerged victorious in 2022, is leading the pack with odds of 10/1. Close behind is Any Second Now, the second-place finisher in the previous edition, with odds of 14/1. As the festival approaches, racing enthusiasts and betting enthusiasts alike eagerly await the outcome of these thrilling races.
Aintree’s Perspective:
Dickon White, the Aintree & North West Regional Director at The Jockey Club, expressed great excitement about the partnership with William Hill. Recognizing the bookmaker’s long-standing association with horseracing in the UK, White commended their involvement in Aintree’s flagship event for the next three years. The collaboration between Aintree and William Hill promises to enhance the overall experience of the Grand National Festival, further solidifying the event’s reputation as a highlight of the racing calendar.
William Hill’s three-year sponsorship deal with Aintree’s Grand National Festival demonstrates the bookmaker’s commitment to horse racing and its rich heritage. As the Official Betting Partner, William Hill’s involvement extends to three televised races during the festival, including the prestigious Grand National. The addition of esteemed brand ambassadors, such as Barry Geraghty, reinforces the company’s dedication to promoting and supporting the sport. With market predictions already indicating strong contenders, the anticipation surrounding the festival continues to grow. Aintree Racecourse eagerly anticipates the collaboration with William Hill, as it strives to create an unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts and casual spectators alike.