Equestrian world says farewell to 60 year sponsorship
Hennessy’s Gold Cup sponsorship has come to an end after 60 years.
There had been speculation that the deal would not be extended, and today’s (Tuesday, 6 December) news marks the end of one of the longest-running sponsorship partnerships in sport.
The 60th and final Hennessy Gold Cup, held at Newbury on 26 November, was won by Native River and Richard Johnson (pictured).
“For anyone with even a passing interest in jump racing, the Hennessy Gold Cup has been a race that has captured the imagination,” said Dominic Burke, chairman of Newbury racecourse.
“It has helped to identify future stars, confirmed existing champions and produced as much emotion and excitement as almost any other race in the calendar.
“We are enormously grateful to several generations of the Hennessy family and the company’s management team for their wonderful support of such a special event.
“But everything comes to an end at some point and it is fitting that the sponsorship is drawing to a close after such a thrilling race to mark the 60th Hennessy Gold Cup as the highlight of two wonderful days of top-class jump racing last month.”
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The first three Hennessy Gold Cups were held at Cheltenham, between 1957-59. From 1960 onwards the race has been held at Newbury.
Past winners of the race include Arkle, Many Clouds, Bobs Worth, Denman — who won it twice in 2007 and 2009 — and Triolo D’Alene.
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Jo Thornton, managing director of Moët Hennessy UK, said Hennessy has enjoyed “60 wonderful years” of sponsoring the race.
“Over the decades, the race has been won by many extraordinary and courageous horses, jockeys and trainers,” he said.
“We are enormously grateful to the directors and team at Newbury, who have always delivered racing of the highest quality, at one of the UK’s most iconic racecourses. “Hennessy are proud to have worked with Newbury in creating such an important and enjoyable day in the racing calendar. We wish them every continued success.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.