Glenfarclas Renews Cheltenham Deal

Glenfarclas has renewed its association with Cross Country racing at Cheltenham Racecourse for a further three years. The family-owned producer of Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky, first backed the three Cross Country Steeplechases at Cheltenham in the 2008/2009 season.

The trio of contests take place at The Open, The International and The Festival.

During the 2014/15 season, the races will take place on 14th November, 12th December and 11th March.

In addition, the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at The Festival will see its prize fund increased to £60,000 – up from £50,000 last season.

The three Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeplechases are not duplicated anywhere else in the UK – with a unique twisting course of banks, ditches and rails. 

All three races take place over three miles and seven furlongs, with the contest at The Open a conditions event and the other two races run as handicaps.

John Grant, chairman of Glenfarclas, said: ‘We are delighted to renew our contract to sponsor the three Cross Country races at Cheltenham. We have been sponsoring these races now for six years and the results have been very gratifying.’

‘Hopefully, by the end of the nine years, we will have finally persuaded people to refer to ‘The Glenfarclas’ as they do with other longstanding race sponsorships.’ 

Carey Buckler, regional sponsorship manager for the South West region of Jockey Club Racecourses, added: ‘Over recent years, the Cross Country races at Cheltenham have seen many fabulous moments, with the likes of Garde Champetre and more recently Balthazar King, springing to mind.’

‘I am therefore delighted that Glenfarclas has extended its sponsorship of the three races each season for a further three years and I look forward to working with them on making the partnership successful and rewarding.’