Racing Post announced as new Arkle sponsor

THE Racing Post was on Thursday unveiled as the new sponsor of the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Grade 1 contest, which has attracted 27 entries,  is one of the most eagerly awaited of this year's meeting with Sprinter Sacre, Peddlers Cross and Al Ferof set to do battle over the 2m trip.

The agreement signals the return of the  Racing Post as a sponsor at the festival, having supported what is now the Byrne Group Plate from 2006 to 2008.

Racing Post editor Bruce Millington said: "Racing Post is thrilled to be returning tothe Cheltenham Festival as a sponsor this year. We have been looking for the right opportunity and to be associated with as prestigious a race as the Arkle Chase seems very fitting.

"The intended line-up for this year's race is mouth-watering and we are very excited at the prospect of an enthralling contest on the first day of the festival."

Peter McNeile, director of  sponsorship at Cheltenham, added: "Cheltenham and Jockey Club Racecourses are delighted to welcome back Racing Post as a sponsor at Cheltenham, and particularly the festival.

"We have always had a good relationship with the Racing Post team, who continue to work with us on the Festival magazine, and I'm sure that their backing of this historic race can only add to the excitement in the build-up to March 13."