John Smith’s extends Grand National deal

UK brewer Scottish & Newcastle has announced plans to renew its partnership with Aintree Racecourse to sponsor the John Smith’s Grand National for a further three years once the current deal runs out in 2010.

Having sponsored the showpiece race in the UK calendar since 2005, the new deal runs until 2013 with an option to extend the agreement for a further three years after this date.
 
Confirming the deal Julian Thick, managing director of 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.
 
Mark Given, brands director at Scottish & Newcastle UK, added: “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.

“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.”

In another major racing initiative, Smithy The Horse, a 3-year-old chestnut gelding by 2003 Derby winner Kris Kin, was unveiled at Aintree as the latest addition to John Smith’s racing sponsorship plans for 2010.

A campaign set to run in thousands of pubs and clubs across the UK from January will give John Smith’s drinkers a chance to experience racing from the inside – all for the price of a pint.

The “People’s Racehorse” replaces the John Smith’s People’s Race which, after 3 years, will be discontinued in favour of a campaign that will aim to demystify the sport and give John Smith’s drinkers an insiders’ view of the world of racing.

Given said:” We are tremendously excited by the prospect of Smithy the Horse – as The People’s Racehorse – bringing a new dimension to our racing activity and a new audience to the sport.

“Extensive research undertaken with John Smith’s drinkers tells us that they relish the chance to share in the ownership of a racehorse and Smithy will meet that desire in every way.”

Smithy is currently in training with Donald McCain at the Bank House stables in Cheshire where it is hoped he will be inspired by memories of Aintree legends Red Rum and Amberleigh House and the proximity of star horses such as Cloudy Lane and Whiteoak.

Alan Lodge, 28.10.2009