Ladbrokes new Irish National sponsors

FAIRYHOUSE Racecourse yesterday announced Ladbrokes as the new sponsor of Ireland’s richest handicap steeplechase, The Irish Grand National.

The bookmaker has signed a three year deal to sponsor the feature race at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival.

The first Ladbrokes Irish Grand National will take place on Easter Monday, April 25, 2011.

Caroline Gray, General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse said: “We are obviously thrilled to have signed a three year deal with Ladbrokes to sponsor our feature race. To sign such a lucrative contract a year in advance gives us a fantastic opportunity to bed down the sponsorship and work with Ladbrokes in building a wonderful campaign for 2011.

“As existing sponsors and our on-course bookmaker we have a great relationship with Ladbrokes and are very much looking forward to working with their team. They have some fantastic ideas and should bring a fresh approach to the race and the festival as a whole. “

“Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has made this race their own during their sponsorship which spanned 40 years and we are delighted that they are continuing their long association with Fairyhouse through their ongoing sponsorship of the Powers Gold Cup.”