William Hill, one of the most renowned names in the betting industry, has been officially announced as the title sponsor of Super Saturday at Newbury Racecourse, a highly anticipated annual event on the National Hunt racing calendar. This new sponsorship strengthens William Hill’s commitment to supporting British horse racing, as the bookmaker takes naming rights for several key races at the event, which will take place on 8 February 2025, just five weeks ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.

William Hill Named Official Sponsor of Super Saturday at Newbury Racecourse

William Hill’s Naming Rights and Key Races

The prestigious Super Saturday race day will now feature three headline races sponsored by William Hill:

• The William Hill Hurdle: A Grade 3 race offering a lucrative prize fund of £155,000 ($189,751).
• The William Hill Denman Chase: A pivotal race for top-tier chasers.
• The William Hill Game Spirit Chase: A key trial event for the Cheltenham Festival.

These races are renowned for their quality and often serve as a preparatory stage for horses aiming to compete in the Cheltenham Festival, including the County Handicap Hurdle, which William Hill has also secured sponsorship for ahead of the 2025 edition.

Super Saturday: A Key Event in National Hunt Racing

Super Saturday has long been considered one of the premier fixtures in National Hunt racing, attracting top trainers, jockeys, and equine talent. It plays a critical role in shaping the season’s narrative as horses and connections finalize their preparations for the Cheltenham Festival.

Horses competing at Newbury on this day frequently go on to achieve success at the festival, solidifying Super Saturday’s reputation as a stepping stone to greater glory. The event is also highly anticipated by racing enthusiasts and punters alike, offering thrilling action and high stakes.

William Hill’s Expanding Commitment to British Racing

William Hill’s involvement with Super Saturday highlights its dedication to bolstering the sport. According to Sandro Di Michele, William Hill’s Director of Horse Racing, this sponsorship aligns perfectly with the company’s vision: “We’re delighted to further our involvement in some of the biggest days in National Hunt racing… Racing is in our DNA, and our new sponsorship with Newbury demonstrates our further commitment to British racing.”

This move also coincides with William Hill’s broader strategy to enhance customer experience by providing competitive offers. In 2024, the bookmaker offered more top prices on horse racing than its competitors, a trend it plans to continue into 2025. Features like Best Odds Guaranteed from 8 a.m. on all UK and Irish races and the Cheltenham Festival Non-Runner Money Back offer further reinforce William Hill’s commitment to value and responsible betting.

Significance for Newbury Racecourse

For Newbury Racecourse, the partnership with William Hill represents a milestone. Jordan Coates, Head of Sales at Newbury Racecourse, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This new sponsorship marks an inaugural title raceday sponsorship for William Hill here at Newbury. We are delighted to expand our decade-long relationship with a well-known brand that shares our passion for top-quality racing.”

The sponsorship also extends beyond raceday itself, as William Hill operates two betting shops on-site at Newbury, ensuring a seamless experience for racegoers.

What This Means for Horse Racing Fans

The collaboration between William Hill and Newbury Racecourse brings numerous benefits for racing fans and punters:

• Enhanced prize money and race quality, attracting the best talent.
• Increased accessibility to competitive betting offers, ensuring a rewarding experience.
• Opportunities to witness potential Cheltenham Festival contenders in action.

Moreover, William Hill’s proactive approach to customer engagement—through promotions like the Non-Runner Money Back offer—adds value for punters who can place bets with confidence.

Building Momentum Towards Cheltenham Festival and Beyond

Super Saturday serves as a critical precursor to the Cheltenham Festival, offering racing enthusiasts a glimpse into potential festival favorites. For William Hill, the timing is ideal, aligning with its return as a Cheltenham Festival sponsor and its ongoing role as the Official Betting Partner of Aintree’s Randox Grand National Festival.

These initiatives underline William Hill’s long-standing association with the sport and its dedication to elevating the profile of British racing on the global stage.

A Decade-Long Partnership Strengthened

The relationship between William Hill and Newbury Racecourse has flourished over the past decade, with this new sponsorship marking a significant step forward. The bookmaker’s presence on the racecourse, both as a sponsor and through its on-site betting shops, ensures a cohesive and engaging experience for attendees.

The collaboration also highlights the mutual commitment of both parties to enhancing the appeal of National Hunt racing and delivering world-class events that cater to both racing enthusiasts and casual spectators.

Conclusion: The New Sponsor

The announcement of William Hill as the new sponsor for Super Saturday at Newbury Racecourse marks a significant moment for British horse racing. With a focus on delivering top-tier racing action and customer-centric betting offers, William Hill continues to solidify its position as a leading supporter of the sport.

FAQs About William Hill Sponsorship of Super Saturday at Newbury Racecourse

1. What is Super Saturday at Newbury Racecourse?

Super Saturday at Newbury Racecourse is one of the most prestigious events in the National Hunt racing calendar, featuring top-class racing action. It takes place annually and serves as a key fixture in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival, providing a platform for horses to showcase their abilities before the festival in March.

2. What races is William Hill sponsoring on Super Saturday?

William Hill has secured naming rights for three major races on Super Saturday:

• The William Hill Hurdle
• The William Hill Denman Chase
• The William Hill Game Spirit Chase

These races are significant in the National Hunt season and often serve as crucial stepping stones for horses preparing for the Cheltenham Festival.

3. What is the prize fund for the William Hill Hurdle?

The William Hill Hurdle is a high-profile race on Super Saturday, with a substantial prize fund of £155,000 ($189,751). This makes it one of the most competitive and valuable races on the day.

4. How does William Hill’s sponsorship align with their broader strategy?

William Hill’s sponsorship of Super Saturday highlights the company’s growing involvement in the British racing scene. According to Sandro Di Michele, the company’s Director of Horse Racing, the partnership reflects their commitment to British racing and the expansion of their involvement in some of the biggest events on the National Hunt racing calendar.

5. What other racing events is William Hill involved with?

In addition to sponsoring Super Saturday, William Hill is also a major sponsor of the Cheltenham Festival and the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree. The bookmaker’s ongoing sponsorship of these high-profile events underscores its deep commitment to the sport of horse racing.

6. What betting offers will William Hill provide for Super Saturday and the Cheltenham Festival?

William Hill will offer a variety of betting promotions, including Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish races. Additionally, their Cheltenham Festival Non-Runner Money Back offer allows customers to receive a refund on their bets if a horse doesn’t participate in the festival.

7. How does William Hill’s sponsorship impact Newbury Racecourse?

The sponsorship marks an important milestone in the long-standing relationship between William Hill and Newbury Racecourse. It strengthens the partnership and highlights William Hill’s continued support of National Hunt racing. The bookmaker also operates two betting shops at the racecourse, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

8. Why is Super Saturday considered important in the lead-up to Cheltenham Festival?

Super Saturday is an essential event for horses preparing for the Cheltenham Festival, as it allows trainers and jockeys to assess their contenders in competitive conditions. Runners from Newbury often go on to compete successfully in key races at Cheltenham, making the day a significant fixture for both competitors and spectators.

9. How long has William Hill been associated with Newbury Racecourse?

William Hill has had a longstanding relationship with Newbury Racecourse for over a decade. The new sponsorship marks an expansion of this partnership, cementing the bookmaker’s role as a key player in British racing.

10. What other services and offers does William Hill provide for racing fans?

Beyond sponsorships, William Hill offers a range of customer-focused services, including competitive odds, betting promotions, and Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish races. Their commitment to responsible gambling and providing excellent value for punters makes them a popular choice for racing fans.