Coral extends long-running Eclipse sponsorship until 2030

The Eclipse Stakes at Sandown will be sponsored by Coral for a further five years, extending the record-breaking association between the racecourse and the bookmaker until 2030.

This year's Eclipse on July 5 marks the 50th anniversary of Coral’s backing with prize-money boosted by £250,000 to £1 million, making it the richest race ever run at Sandown.

The Coral-Eclipse is not the bookmaker’s only long-standing sponsorship in racing, with the Welsh Grand National having been backed by the firm since 1973.

Simon Clare, Coral PR director, said: “We're immensely proud to have sponsored the Coral-Eclipse Stakes for 50 years and thrilled to be announcing the continuation of our partnership with Sandown Park and the Jockey Club for another five years, with the new record £1 million prize-money in place for the race.

“Our 50-year and counting patronage of the Coral-Eclipse Stakes is the longest-running Group-race sponsorship in the world and is clear evidence, if evidence were needed, of Coral’s commitment to, and passion for, horseracing.”

Sarah Drabwell, Sandown’s general manager, added: “It is an amazing milestone for Coral to have reached 50 years of sponsorship of the Coral-Eclipse this year and it really is the icing on the cake to be able to announce a further extension of the sponsorship agreement.”

Last year’s Coral-Eclipse was won by subsequent joint-horse of the year City Of Troy, while Golden Horn, Ghaiyyath and Enable have also landed the Group 1 race in the past decade.

This year’s Coral-Eclipse has attracted 58 entries, with the market headed by Calandagan at 5-1. Field Of Gold, Ruling Court and Economics are also among the early entries for the mile-and-a-quarter contest.

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