Sky Bet reaffirms commitment to York racing with continued Ebor sponsorship
Racecourse and local operator sign extended deal that reiterates York’s premier race as UK’s richest flat handicap
Sky Bet has announced an extension to its sponsorship with York Racecourse through to the end of 2028.
The deal includes the sponsorship of York’s premier event, the Ebor Festival, which takes place 17-20 August.
Sponsored by Sky Bet, a total of 12 races spread over the four days of the festival sees a prize fund on offer of over £2.7m.
This represents an increase of 23%, £637,000 up from when the initial deal was chalked up in 2018.
At £500,000, the Ebor remains the richest flat handicap.
On the same Saturday card, the Group 2 Sky Bet City of York Stakes will now be the richest.
Thursday’s Sky Bet Lowther, with a prize fund of £250,000, will be Britain’s richest juvenile fillies Group 2, and Wednesday’s £100,000 Sky Bet Nursery is Britain’s richest race of this type.
Wednesday’s Group 2 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur increases in value by £30,000 to its new record of £200,000.
Sky Bet will also be hosting a preview evening from the track each night.
Flutter Entertainment’s brand, creative and sponsorship director Michael Afflick said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Sky Bet Ebor, as well as being the new title sponsor of the Ebor Festival itself.
“The relationship that we have built with York over the past 18 years has been a fantastic one and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the coming years.”
CEO and clerk of the course at York Racecourse, William Derby, said: “Our partnership with Sky Bet stretches back some 18 years and has seen both organisations grow and invest in the sport we love.
“This agreement sees this tremendous partnership continue through to 2028 with a record investment in prize funds across our race programme, to support owners and help attract star horses for us all to enjoy. We remain hugely appreciative of our partnership with Sky Bet and both organisations are committed to further developing and growing the racedays,” he added.