Ayr Racecourse announce £30,000 prize money increase as Gold Cup sponsorship announced for September showpiece

AYR RACECOURSE have confirmed Virgin Bet has renewed it's sponsorship of the Gold Cup.

The prestigious race will be named the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup for a third successive year.

The prize money on offer has also increased considerably this year and is valued now at £180,000 - £30,000 more than last year - confirming it as one of the most thrilling sprint handicaps in the British racing calendar.

Summerghand ran on well to win last year's renewal by a length at 12/1, with Bielsa and Kevin Stott a comfortable winner 12 months prior.

With the likes of William Haggas, Tom Dascombe and Richard Fahey having winners here in recent years, the six furlong showdown continues to attract some of the biggest names in Flat racing.

Virgin Bet will sponsor the entire three-day festival in Ayrshire, which kicks off on Thursday, September 21.

The betting company sponsor the big race on Ladies' Day on Friday - the Bronze Cup - as well as three on the Saturday.

Those include the the Virgin Bet Firth of Clyde Stakes for two-year-old fillies - the only Group 3 race to be held in Scotland, the Listed Doonside Cup and the second biggest sprint handicap of the meeting, the Ayr Silver Cup.

The Doonside Cup was won by Roger Varian's charge Royal Champion last year, who went on to win at Royal Ascot this year.

Ayr Managing Director David Brown said: "We're delighted to be renewing our Ayr Gold Cup partnership with Virgin Bet for a third year and owners and trainers will be excited to hear that the prize money for the race is being increased by £30,000 to £180,000.

“The Virgin Bet name will be associated with the entire 3-day Festival once again and, as well as the Ayr Gold Cup itself, another 8 key contests over the 3-days will be sponsored by Virgin Bet, including the prestigious Firth Of Clyde Stakes for 2 year-olds and the mile and a quarter Doonside Cup.

“Ayr's Gold Cup Festival is the biggest Flat meeting of the year in Scotland and everyone at Ayr is looking forward to working with the Virgin Bet team to make 2023 yet another memorable 3-days of top-class racing."

Virgin Bet Marketing Director, Ric Leask added: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the esteemed Ayr Gold Cup for the third successive year. This thrilling event showcases some of the finest horses and jockeys, and we are proud to be a part of such top-quality racing.

“Virgin Bet remains committed to being a leading player in the world of horse racing, and sponsoring this prestigious race demonstrates this. The Ayr Gold Cup is a highlight in both the Scottish and UK racing calendars, and we are excited to contribute to its success.”

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