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John Smith's Extends Sponsorship of Grand National Until 2013 24/10/09

Scottish & Newcastle, the UK’s leading brewer today (October 24th) announced plans to renew its partnership with Aintree Racecourse to sponsor the John Smith’s Grand National for a further three years, when the current agreement expires in 2010.

Comply Or Die
Grand National winner in 2008,
runner-up in 2009.
© racing-images.co.uk

Confirming the deal Julian Thick, Managing Director, Aintree Racecourse, said: "Securing John Smith’s support for another three years at a time when many rights holders are struggling to attract sponsors is great news for the Grand National and a massive vote of confidence for Jump Racing as a whole.

“John Smith's has sponsored the Grand National since 2005 and this latest agreement takes our successful partnership to 2013, with an option to renew for a further three years beyond that date. Aintree and John Smith's have long shared an ambition to see the Grand National carry a £1 million prize fund and I am confident that we will achieve our goal within the lifetime of the new sponsorship agreement."

Mark Given, Brands Director, Scottish & Newcastle UK, said: “John Smith’s is proud to be racing’s biggest commercial supporter and our sponsorship of the Grand National is the jewel in our racing crown. We are delighted with the contribution the sponsorship has made towards reinforcing John Smith’s position as Britain’s No 1 ale.

“Pairing the People’s Pint with the nation’s favourite race has proved to be a winner all the way and we look forward to working with the Aintree team to grow and develop still further the world’s best-known steeplechase between now and 2013.”

JOHN SMITH’S, the UK’s No 1 ale was installed as the Grand National favourite in 2005 after saddling up to sponsor the world’s most famous horse race in the first of two 3-year agreements between brand owners Scottish & Newcastle and Aintree Racecourse.

The 2010 John Smith’s Grand National meeting will take place from April 8-10th in front of 150,000 spectators and a worldwide television audience spanning more than 140 countries and 600 million people.

John Smith’s is horse racing’s biggest commercial sponsor, backing major flat and jump races at more than 30 courses including: the John Smith’s Cup at York; The John Smith’s Northumberland Plate; the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter and the John Smith’s Stakes at Newbury.