The UK equestrian sponsorship round-up
Baileys Horse Feeds will be the title sponsor for the Northern Stallion Showcase (22 March) at Park End Equestrian, Northumberland.
Jane Buchan from Baileys said: “As long-term supporters of British breeding, it’s great to be involved with a new event, which is sure to prove invaluable to those planning their coverings for the season ahead.”
Cheltenham racecourse has announced that Bonhams has renewed its sponsorship of the Men’s Open Point-to-Point Series, which culminates at Cheltenham’s Hunter Chase Evening on 30 April. In a change from 2013, the list of qualifying races has been increased from 15 to 20.
Lucy Tucker of the Point-to-Point Authority, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working hand-in-hand with Bonhams once again this season.
Pointing is a popular sport and it is made even more so when associated with prestigious names such as Bonhams.”
Eventer Ben Hobday has a new sponsor — boot manufacturer Grubs. Ben has jumped double clear at Badminton, Burghley, Bramham, Blenheim, as well as completing Pau 4-star.
Ben said: “I really enjoy working with the team at Grub’s, the boots they have developed are second to none for comfort and grip when working on the yard or even in the saddle, training at home.”
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Bookmaker Coral has announced an extended 5-year sponsorship of the Welsh Grand National. It will take Coral’s association with the race to 45 years — the third longest sponsorship partnership in jump racing.
Andy Hornby, chief executive of Coral, said: “I actually attended my first Welsh National in 1973, and I am delighted that having been there for the first Coral-sponsored running of the race, 4 decades on the association remains as strong as ever.”
Speedi-Beet, from British Horse Feeds, will be extending its sponsorship of the British Showjumping Horse of the Year Show Grade C Championship for 2014.
Will I’Anson, sales director at British Horse Feeds, said “The sponsorship of the HOYS Grade C Series has really enhanced the awareness of the use of Speedi-Beet for performance horses.
“We are delighted to be supporting the series again in 2014 and look forward to another exhilarating final.”
The Pure Feed Company has announced a new sponsorship deal with international endurance rider Georgina Hirst. Georgina and her own 7-year-old pure bred arab mare Pesniia finished the 2013 season in 8th place in the FEI world endurance combination rankings.
“I like the principles behind the Pure Feed Company. Knowing that your horse is being fed a complete, balanced diet is very important. It’s very easy to feed,” said Georgina.
TopSpec is to sponsor the The Lindum Spirit Endurance Ride for the next 3 years. TopSpec veterinary nutritionist and feed advisors will be on hand during the event at Market Rasen Racecourse, Lincolnshire (23-27 July) offering advice to competitors and providing their weighbridge service.
Nicola Tyler of TopSpec said : “We are pleased to be sponsoring such a well known event on the endurance circuit. The Lindum Spirit Endurance Ride has a great following and a lot of support and we are looking forward to working with the organising team to continue its success.
Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.