Virgin Bet sponsors December Gold Cup at Cheltenham
Virgin Bet is sponsoring the December Gold Cup in the Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham, as well as the final race on the card that day.
The £130,000 Premier Handicap chase, now named the Virgin Bet December Gold Cup, is set to take place this Saturday (16 December), over an extended two and a half miles on the New Course at the Home of Jump Racing.
Ric Leask, Virgin Bet Marketing Director, stated: “We are thrilled to announce Virgin Bet’s sponsorship of the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
“We are passionate about delivering an unparalleled sports betting experience, and there’s no better way to showcase this commitment than by supporting one of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar.”
Leask also emphasised how the Cheltenham course holds a ‘special place’ in the hearts of racing enthusiasts, expressing his enthusiasm to be a part of the excitement and tradition that the December Gold Cup brings.
“This sponsorship reflects our dedication to being a leading player in the horseracing world, and we’re delighted to continue to be deeply embedded within the highlight moments of the sport,” he added.
Furthermore, the operator will also provide the opportunity for each member of Stable Staff to win a £1,000 voucher from those who have won the Best Turned Out Award for their race.
Meanwhile, Gibraltar-based Virgin Bet has also pledged to donate £5,000 to the recently formed Gold Cup 100 Community Fund, which was created in celebration of 100 years of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March 2024.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Virgin Bet as the new sponsor of the December Gold Cup, and I would like to say thanks for this very generous support,” added Ian Renton, Managing Director, The Jockey Club – West.
“The Virgin Bet Gold Cup is always highly competitive and provides a thrilling Jump racing spectacle in the run-up to Christmas.
“This year’s entries look very strong, and we look forward to another tremendous renewal on 16 December.”
There have been 53 runnings of the competition since its establishment in 1963, and has featured famous names such as Flyingbolt, Pendil, Dublin Flyer and Frodon.
