William Hill Sponsor Supreme Novices Hurdle

Leading bookmakers William Hill were today unveiled as the new sponsors of the williamhill.com Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – the famous curtain raiser at The Festival on Tuesday, March 10. The Grade One contest showcases the best of the season’s two-mile novice hurdlers, and provides the first round in the renowned but friendly British/Irish rivalry on the track and in the betting ring.

Sponsorship of the williamhill.com Supreme Novices Hurdle provides the popular bookmakers with a second race on the opening day, in a deal which couples the Grade One race with the longstanding sponsorship of the William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase.

Famous horses such as the legendary Flyingbolt and Golden Cygnet have won the williamhill.com Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and more recently Champion Hurdlers Hors La Loi III and Brave Inca have used the race as a springboard to future glory. This year’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite Binocular finished second in 2008.

Ralph Topping, Chief Executive of William Hill, said: ‘’We are delighted to be backing the williamhill.com Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. It has long been one of my favourite races of the season and is steeped in history. The roar of the crowd when the tapes go up sums up the excitement that this business is all about. This sponsorship further confirms William Hill’s commitment to racing, in addition to providing support to a celebrated race that is valued by punters and racing fans alike.’’

Peter McNeile, Cheltenham’s Director of Sponsorship, added: ‘’We are grateful for William Hill’s sponsorship of this iconic race, which is a contest that all Jump racing fans look forward to for 361 days! I’m delighted that a long established Festival sponsor has extended its support for The Festival’s opening day.”

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