William Hill have announced they will extend their sponsorship
of the Ayr Gold Cup Festival by a further two years until September
2013.
The bookmaking giant initially agreed a three year deal to
sponsor the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup Festival from 2009 until
2011. That deal ended on Saturday.
But yesterday it emerged that an extension had been negotiated
ensuring the 2012 and 2013 Festivals will be run under the William
Hill banner.
The contract covers full naming rights of the three day Festival
and sponsorships of the William Hill Ayr Gold, Silver and Bronze
Cup, plus the Doonside Cup, Ayrshire Handicap and Kilkerran
Cup.
Kate Miller, Head of Racing, William Hill, said : "After three
years sponsorship, the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup sponsorship has
become a favourite amongst many of us, and after such a fantastic
weekend's action at Ayr, it became apparent that an extension of
our contract was necessary !
"The tireless team at Ayr, coupled with incredibly engaged
racegoers makes for an incredible atmosphere, and we are already
looking forward to 2012."
Ayr Racecourse Chairman Alan Macdonald added : "We are delighted
with the news that William Hill have extended their Ayr Gold Cup
sponsorship by a further two years.
"Everyone at the course has enjoyed immensely working with the
William Hill team on the last three William Hill Ayr Gold Cup
Festivals and now we look forward to another two years.
"William Hill and the Ayr Gold Cup is a perfect fit and I feel
their name is now synonymous with the most famous flat race in the
Scottish racing calendar."
The William Hill Ayr Gold Cup is the richest sprint handicap in
Europe and was first run in 1804 when it was won by Chancellor. It
was first run as a sprint in 1907.