Investec & Epsom Announce Derby Extension
Investec and Epsom Downs Racecourse have announced a 10 year extension to the Derby Festival sponsorship until 2021, representing the biggest sponsorship agreement in British racing history.
The extension, agreed in the fourth year of the original five year contract, will see the Investec Derby reinstated as the richest race in the UK offering a prize fund of £1,325,000 in 2012.
Rupert Trevelyan, managing director of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: ‘We are delighted that Investec have agreed to extend their sponsorship for a further 10 years. They are a fantastic brand to work with, very forward thinking and proactive, and we will continue to work in collaboration with them to develop the Investec Derby Festival. It is only fitting for such a prestigious event like the Derby to have such a high profile, committed and long term partner.’
‘The recently announced prize money increases were a direct consequence of Investec’s intention to strengthen their relationship with Epsom and the Derby Festival. In March we announced an increase of £25,000 to £350,000 for the Investec Oaks, a £50,000 increase to £300,000 for the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (sponsored by Investec), and an increase to £50,000 for the Investec Derby Trial.’
Raymond van Niekerk, global head of marketing at Investec, added: ‘The Derby Festival is Investec’s grandest single spectacle in sponsorship. The event has a magnificent profile in the social arena as well as in the racing and sports industry.’
‘Since we started in 2009 the sponsorship has been very rewarding for us as a brand, and it will continue to grow in stature as we work with Epsom to cement the Investec Derby Festival as one of the key events in the British social and sport calendar. The last three years have been very special and we look forward to working with Epsom for at least the next 10 years!’
The new agreement will also see Investec continue its sponsorship of Wednesday’s Investec Spring Meeting across the term of the agreement.
In addition to an extra £20,000 in prize money, Wednesday’s first Derby trial race, the Investec Derby Trial, will offer a wild-card entry into the Investec Derby.
Bernard Kantor, managing director of Investec, commented: ‘It is a real honour for Investec to be involved in such a traditional British event. The last three years have been fantastic, with the likes of Sea the Stars and Workforce winning the Investec Derby, as well as the buzz around Carlton House in last year’s Derby. I am looking forward to many more great renewals to come.’
This year’s Investec Derby Festival takes place on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June, with the 233rd running of the Derby this year forming part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
