Virgin Bet has strengthened its ties with British horse racing by renewing its sponsorship agreement with The Jockey Club. This partnership maintains Virgin Bet’s position as the title sponsor for a prestigious series of races held across several prominent UK racecourses. This strategic move marks Virgin Bet’s continuous commitment to fostering the vibrant racing culture, offering racing enthusiasts thrilling experiences while enhancing the sport’s visibility.

Virgin Bet Renews Sponsorship Agreement with The Jockey Club

Sponsorship Series Details: A Glance at the Race Days

The sponsorship encompasses a well-curated six-race day series across iconic racecourses in the UK. The series kicks off with the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Day at Newmarket Racecourse on 5 October. This race day promises an exciting start, setting the stage for what is bound to be a thrilling season of racing action.

Following Newmarket, the series proceeds with the Halloween Sunday event at Aintree on 27 October, providing racegoers with a uniquely themed race day filled with excitement. The Halloween festivities combined with the high-stakes racing at Aintree are expected to draw large crowds, further solidifying Virgin Bet’s presence in UK horse racing.

As the year turns, the sponsorship series continues into February at Sandown, with events lined up to keep the excitement going for racing fans throughout the colder months. Sandown’s racing track is renowned for its high-energy races, and the Virgin Bet-backed events promise to be no different.

The series concludes with three major race days at Kempton Park in the new year, including one event held right after the Cheltenham Festival. This post-Cheltenham race is poised to be a highlight for fans, capping off the series with top-tier racing action and memorable moments for all involved.

A Strong Presence in UK Horse Racing

Virgin Bet’s continued sponsorship of The Jockey Club reinforces its dedication to being a significant player in the world of horse racing sponsorships. With races broadcasted on ITV and Racing TV, Virgin Bet ensures that fans, both at the racecourses and watching from home, have access to the highest quality racing coverage.

This exposure strengthens the brand’s connection to horse racing, offering visibility to a broad audience and elevating the excitement of each sponsored race day. Virgin Bet’s long-term association with The Jockey Club helps to maintain a synergy between tradition and innovation in the sport, aligning the brand with the prestigious heritage of British racing.

WalkSafe Integration: Prioritizing Spectator Safety

An interesting and highly valuable aspect of this renewed sponsorship is the integration of WalkSafe, Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner. WalkSafe is a free app launched in 2020 that offers enhanced safety features, including route planning and alerts to help users navigate safer paths.

WalkSafe will be embedded into each race day during this sponsorship series, ensuring that racegoers have access to tools that can help them move around the venues and surrounding areas more safely. This emphasis on personal safety aligns perfectly with Virgin Bet’s ongoing initiative, “A Good Bet”, which is focused on creating a more inclusive, secure, and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who attends live events.

The integration of WalkSafe is a critical step toward enhancing the overall spectator experience. Safety concerns are always paramount during large-scale events, and by incorporating WalkSafe, Virgin Bet and The Jockey Club demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that fans can enjoy the races with greater peace of mind.

Key Voices: Comments from Virgin Bet and The Jockey Club

Dominic Vye, Marketing Director at Virgin Bet, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership, highlighting how this sponsorship reflects the company’s deep-rooted passion for British horse racing. He stated: “As a brand deeply rooted in the passion for British horse racing, we are thrilled to extend our partnership with The Jockey Club. This ongoing collaboration allows us to continue supporting and showcasing the exceptional talent of jockeys, trainers, and horses, and to celebrate the rich traditions of the sport while delivering memorable experiences for racing fans.”

Virgin Bet’s dedication to British horse racing goes beyond mere sponsorship—it is about being an active part of a community that cherishes the heritage of the sport. The partnership allows Virgin Bet to continuously engage with fans, and it positions the brand as a leader within the racing industry.

On the side of The Jockey Club, Daniel Glavin, Bookmaker Partnerships Manager, also praised the renewal of the agreement, with particular focus on the safety features being added through WalkSafe. He stated: “We’re delighted to have Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner WalkSafe integrated as part of their sponsorship with us. The experience and safety for all spectators at our racecourses is a priority, so it’s fantastic to see this as part of Virgin Bet’s ‘A Good Bet’ initiatives, which aim to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”

This collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of both Virgin Bet and The Jockey Club to enhancing the overall racing experience, combining world-class competition with safety measures to ensure that racegoers have an enjoyable and secure experience.

A Continued Partnership for the Future of UK Racing

This renewed sponsorship agreement marks a significant step in Virgin Bet’s strategy to maintain a lasting and positive impact on the UK horse racing industry. By continuing to sponsor major racing events across the country, Virgin Bet helps ensure the vitality and growth of the sport. Through its broadcast partnerships with ITV and Racing TV, Virgin Bet is bringing racing to a wider audience, enabling fans to witness the best of British horse racing from the comfort of their homes or in person at some of the country’s most famous racecourses.

Conclusion: Virgin Bet’s Growing Legacy in British Horse Racing

Virgin Bet’s renewed partnership with The Jockey Club underscores the brand’s commitment to the UK horse racing industry and its ongoing dedication to enriching the sport for fans and participants alike. From the excitement of race day to the integration of innovative safety measures like WalkSafe, Virgin Bet continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of British horse racing.

FAQs About Virgin Bet’s Sponsorship with The Jockey Club

1. What is the nature of the renewed sponsorship between Virgin Bet and The Jockey Club?

Virgin Bet has renewed its sponsorship agreement with The Jockey Club, maintaining its role as the title sponsor for a prestigious series of horse races across several UK racecourses. This partnership highlights Virgin Bet’s ongoing commitment to supporting and promoting British horse racing.

2. How many race days are included in the Virgin Bet sponsorship series?

The sponsorship covers a total of six race days, beginning in October with events at Newmarket and Aintree, and continuing into 2024 with additional races at Sandown and Kempton Park. These race days are spread across several months, ensuring continuous excitement for fans.

3. Which major racecourses will host Virgin Bet-sponsored events?

The six race days will take place at prominent UK racecourses, including:

• Newmarket Racecourse (Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Day)
• Aintree Racecourse (Halloween Sunday)
• Sandown Park (in February)
• Kempton Park (three major race days, including one after the Cheltenham Festival)

4. What is the role of WalkSafe in the sponsorship series?

WalkSafe, a free app that offers personal safety features such as route planning and alerts, is Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner. WalkSafe will be integrated into each race day during the sponsorship, providing safety measures to enhance the experience for spectators at racecourses.

5. How will Virgin Bet-sponsored races be broadcast?

Races sponsored by Virgin Bet will be broadcast live on both ITV and Racing TV, ensuring wide accessibility for fans. This exposure enables millions of viewers to enjoy the events from their homes, further strengthening Virgin Bet’s visibility in the racing industry.

6. What does Virgin Bet’s “A Good Bet” initiative focus on?

Virgin Bet’s “A Good Bet” initiative focuses on creating a safer, more inclusive, and welcoming environment at racecourses. This includes the integration of safety tools like WalkSafe, aiming to enhance the overall spectator experience at live events.

7. Why is Virgin Bet renewing its partnership with The Jockey Club?

Virgin Bet’s renewal of the sponsorship agreement reflects its dedication to supporting British horse racing, showcasing talent, and fostering the traditions of the sport. The collaboration helps strengthen the brand’s ties to the racing community and expand its influence in the industry.

8. How does this sponsorship benefit the UK horse racing industry?

Through continued sponsorship of prestigious events, Virgin Bet plays a key role in promoting UK horse racing, ensuring its vitality, and attracting broader audiences. By sponsoring race days and enhancing visibility through media broadcasts, Virgin Bet helps support the growth and sustainability of the sport.

9. What makes the Kempton Park race after the Cheltenham Festival special?

The Kempton Park race held the day after the Cheltenham Festival, is set to be one of the highlights of the Virgin Bet sponsorship series. This post-Cheltenham race draws significant attention from fans, offering top-tier racing action in a high-profile setting.

10. How does Virgin Bet engage with fans during the sponsorship?

Virgin Bet’s sponsorship aims to create memorable experiences for racing fans through thrilling race day events, media broadcasts, and the use of safety apps like WalkSafe. The brand actively engages with the horse racing community and showcases its passion for the sport through these efforts.