Betfred has been announced as the new sponsor of the Derby, described by the company's founder Fred Done as “greatest Flat race in the world”. In a deal initially lasting three years, the bookmaking firm will also sponsor the Oaks. This year's meeting takes place on June 2 and 3.
The largest independent bookmaker in Britain, with 1,400 high street shops, Betfred has also expanded into South Africa and currently operates across 10 American states. The company was racing's biggest sponsor between 2011 and 2018, its backing including the ßCheltenham Gold Cup, G1 Sprint Cup at Haydock, Newmarket's Cambridgeshire and Cesarewitch, and York's prestigious Ebor Handicap. Betfred is also the official betting partner of Ascot racecourse and Royal Ascot.
“I am immensely proud to sponsor the Derby and the Oaks. For me, the Derby remains the greatest Flat race in the world,” Done said.
“When you look at some of the horses and characters that have won this great race, Sea-Bird, Mill Reef, Nijinsky, Sir Gordon Richards, Lester Piggott, and Frankie Dettori, it has an amazing history and I am delighted to become a part of it for at least the next three years.”
The Jockey Club's chief executive Nevin Truesdale added, “We're delighted that Betfred have agreed to be the sponsor of the Derby and the Oaks.
“Betfred's support of British racing over many years has been superb and we're proud to be working with Fred Done and his team on its next chapter, to promote these two iconic races on the first weekend in June.”
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