Cheltenham Confirms New 2012 Sponsors

Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that international risk specialists
and employee benefits consultants, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, and betting
and gaming company, William Hill, will both be sponsoring races on the
opening day of The Festival, on Tuesday 13th March, 2012. ? ?

Jardine
Lloyd Thompson will be sponsoring at The Festival for the first time,
putting their name to the JLT Specialty Chase (A Handicap). ? ?

Dominic
Burke, chief executive of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group, said: ‘We have
been a sponsor at Cheltenham for the past four years, including at The
Open from 2009 to 2011, but the chance to back a race at The Festival
was too good to turn down.’? ?

‘Everyone here is excited about
the prospect of having an active role at the best Jump meeting in the
world and I’m sure that the JLT Specialty Chase will be as competitive
as ever.’ ?

?’We’ve really enjoyed working with the Cheltenham
team in recent years and this Festival sponsorship takes us to a new
level, with the opportunity to promote our brand to a much wider
audience.’? ?

William Hill sponsored at The Festival between 1998
and 2010, and will be returning to the event in 2012 with the
sponsorship of the William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – the opening
race of the meeting. ? ?

Kate Miller, head of racing at William
Hill, commented: ‘We’re delighted to have signed another sponsorship
with Cheltenham for one of National Hunt Racing’s finest events. The
start to The Festival is one of the most anticipated moments of sport in
the year, and we’re extremely proud to be sponsoring the opening act in
the William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.’?

?Peter McNeile,
Cheltenham’s director of sponsorship, added: ‘We are delighted and
grateful that both Jardine Lloyd Thompson and William Hill are to become
Festival sponsors, one for the first time and one returning after a
short absence.’ ?

?’They will, I’m sure, help to add to the
unique atmosphere at The Festival and we look forward to longstanding
ongoing relationships with two highly successful British-based
businesses.’