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Racing News
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racing_news/
totesport Extends Gold Cup Sponsorship to 2009
05/09/05
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totesport is to continue one of racing's oldest sponsorships by backing the totesport Gold Cup at Cheltenham for a further four years, up to and including the 2009 running.
Prize money for the 2006 totesport Gold Cup is to rise by 14.3 per cent to £400,000 (from £350,000) enabling the race to consolidate its position as the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain.
The championship event, run over three miles, two and a half furlongs, has been sponsored by totesport since 1980 and has seen some great winners in that time, including Dawn Run (1986), Desert Orchid (1989) and more recently Best Mate, who recorded a three-timer from 2002 to 2004, and last season's outstanding scorer Kicking King.
Peter McNeile, Commercial Manager at Cheltenham, said: "We are delighted that one of Cheltenham's longest-standing sponsorships is to continue for a further four years and, with its value in 2006 up by 14 per cent to £400,000, the totesport Gold Cup will continue to be the most sought after prize in jump racing."
Keith Oliver, Marketing Director at totesport, commented: "We are thrilled to have extended our association with this great race and the increase in prize money reflects the standing of this unique event.
"The last four totesport Gold Cups have produced some of the best and most thrilling moments in the history of jump racing and here's hoping the next four can go some way towards matching them."
The 2006 totesport Gold Cup will be run at Cheltenham on Friday, March 17, the last day of The Festival. totesport's antepost market is headed at 5/2 by Kicking King with Best Mate priced at 6/1 and 16/1 bar.
