UK equestrian sponsorship round-up

This year’s Badminton winner, Sam Griffiths has teamed up with Zebra Products Ltd in a sponsorship deal that sees him supported by Italian saddle brand Amerigo, Uvex riding helmets, and Cavallo clothing and boots collection.

“Quite simply I feel the competitive advantage when riding in Amerigo,” said Sam. “The dressage saddles allow the horse to move freely and the jumping saddles give me security.”

The BETA Business Awards has announced Leeds-based Blacks Solicitors is to support the Trade Supplier of the Year Award for the third consecutive year. This popular category is presented to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best customer service, delivery, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements.

“It gives us great pleasure to sponsor this award,” said Chris Allen, managing partner at Blacks Solicitors.

Tuffa Footwear is to support of international showjumper Tim Stockdale and his team, increasing the company’s previous support, as Tuffa will now sponsor the whole of Team Stockdale.

“Tuffa has been my preferred choice of footwear for both style and performance for years,” said Tim. “This sponsorship is a great boost for my whole team, meaning that we can all, literally, put our best foot forward.”

Bucas, the premium Irish rug company, is delighted to announce it will be supporting Carl Hester MBE and his stable.

Carl is already well acquainted with the rugs as his protégé Charlotte Dujardin has been dressing her horses (and dogs) in Bucas for the past two years.

Albion Saddlemakers and Amerigo Saddles have both confirmed their support of the forthcoming Saddle Research Trust International Conference.

Anne Bondi, Saddle Research Trust director said: “This valuable support will help further the cause of welfare beyond independent commercial interests and product development.”

Cowdray Park Polo Club has announced that Jaeger-LeCoultre will become the title sponsor of the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship in 2015 with a long term commitment to the club and the tournament.

Cowdray Park Polo Club chairman Peter Barfoot said: “Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to polo is unquestionable and the brand has established a solid reputation throughout all levels of the sport. We feel privileged that Jaeger-LeCoultre has chosen the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park as the means to take its support to the very highest level.”

Equine surface manufacturer, Equestrian Direct, is delighted to announce the sponsorship of three up and coming event riders — Ben Way, Colina Pickles and Bonnie Fishburn.

Jocelyn Riley, of Equestrian Direct Surfaces, said: “We are proud to be able to support these talented event riders to progress in their chosen equestrian discipline and very much enjoying supporting and working alongside them.”

Sandown Park Racecourse has annouced that bookmaker bet365 has extended its sponsorship of the two day bet365 meeting for a further three years. Taking place at the end of April each year, the festival features the Grade 1 bet365 Celebration Chase and Grade 3 bet365 Gold Cup Steeple Chase.

Rupert Trevelyan, London regional director of The Jockey Club, said: “We are delighted to announce that we will be working with bet365 for a further three years on a fantastic meeting that both launches Sandown Park’s Flat season, and celebrates the official end of the jump season.”

Dodson & Horrell will once again be sponsoring its hugely popular series of point-to-point races for novice riders this season. The Dodson & Horrell Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association (PPORA) Novice Riders Series, which is made up of 12 qualifiers hosted around the country, culminates in a prestigious end of season final held at The Knutsford Races Club in Tabley, Cheshire on Sunday 17 May 2015.

Last season’s Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Riders Series winner was Megan Nicholls, daughter of National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls. Megan said: “Winning the series final at Tabley was a fantastic end to the 2014 season. Thanks to the continued support from Dodson & Horrell more young, novice riders can have the chance to aim for a final right at the start of their career.”

Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s (TBA) is to continue its support of point-to-point mares’ only races as part of its mandate to improve race opportunities for mares.

Clare Hazell, of the Point-to-Point Association (PPA) commented: “We are very pleased that the TBA has decided to build upon our successful partnership by continuing as a national sponsor.”

A new national series in point-to-pointing, the Subaru Restricted Series, has been unveiled. Supporting races for horses that have not won any race under the rules of any recognised racing authority other than a maiden or hunt members race, the series will run across 26 national qualifiers, culminating with a grand final over 2m 7f at Stratford-on-Avon on 29 May 2015.

Chairman of the Point-to-Point Authority, Simon Claisse, said: “This is great news for the amateur division of the sport. Restricted horses are the stars of tomorrow, and the Subaru Restricted Point-to-Point Series gives this division a clear path through the season and a significant prize to aim toward.”

Haddon Training has announced its sponsorship of the British Grooms Awards. Last presented in 2009, these two awards (the Haddon Training British Grooms Award and the Haddon Training Team GBR Grooms Award) have been revitalised with fantastic prizes for the winning grooms, and presentations being made at the prestigious British Breeders’ Awards Dinner early in January next year.

Jan Rogers, BEF head of equine development said: “The British Grooms Awards always used to play an integral part in the presentation and with Haddon Training’s generous support we are thrilled to have been able to reinstate them to recognise these extremely dedicated and hardworking people whose contribution is so valuable.”

The organisers of Rockingham Castle International Horse Trials have announced that Robert Loomes & Co is again offering a fabulous hand-made watch as a prize at next year’s event. Last year Ireland’s Austin O’Connor took home a beautiful Robin watch, a prize which would normally come with a price tag of £7,500.

Event organiser Andrew Norman said: “Events such as ours are hugely enhanced by the involvement of sponsorship, and for Robert to have once more generously offered this wonderful prize is outstanding.”

Leading National Hunt jockey Tom Scudamore has secured a three year sponsorship deal with Knight Frank.

Tom said: “With an exciting season ahead, I am very much looking forward to having a long and prosperous relationship with Knight Frank and be supported by this well-respected global firm.”

Cheltenham Racecourse has announced Coral is to extend its sponsorship of the Coral Cup at The Festival for at least another five years. The Coral Cup is one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the entire season and frequently attracts a maximum field.

Ian Renton, regional director of the Jockey Club Racecourse South West, said: “Coral has sponsored the Coral Cup since the race was first run so I am thrilled that the firm have decided to renew the partnership with Cheltenham for at least another five years.”

Lexvet Supplements has recently signed a sponsorship deal with young Irish showjumper Michael Duffy who is now based in the UK with Duncan Inglis.