Global relief as Godolphin renew support for staff awards and Yorkshire Oaks

Racing authorities and racecourses have been able to breathe a sigh of relief after Godolphin made clear their ongoing commitment to stud and stable staff awards around the world, and additionally reversed plans to stop key race sponsorships.

The Racing Post revealed in February that, as a result of an international review of marketing spend, Ireland's racing and stud staff awards had been postponed, while BHA acting chairman Atholl Duncan made a public plea for Godolphin to continue their backing of the British event at its latest staging in February.

The review also led to Godolphin parting with some high-profile personnel, including corporate director Andy Wiles and marketing director Bobby Brittain.

York has won back Darley sponsorship of the Yorkshire OaksCredit: Alan Crowhurst

It is understood that following guidance from Sheikh Mohammed during Dubai World Cup week Godolphin have confirmed their international backing for the awards, while York has enjoyed a major reversal of fortune with the reinstatement of Darley support for the Yorkshire Oaks, thus extending a 30-year relationship.

Indeed, having announced the search was on for a new sponsor, York has been given a fresh four-year Darley deal for the Group 1 feature, with prize-money also rising to £400,000 from £350,000.

Darley offered to take back the Irish Oaks but the Curragh has signed a new backer for the raceCredit: Alain Barr

Godolphin is also believed to have offered to continue Darley's sponsorship of the Irish Oaks, but that has not been possible due to the Curragh having already signed an arrangement with a soon-to-be-announced new partner for the race. Darley's sponsorships in France have also been confirmed.

Hugh Anderson, Godolphin's managing director in Britain and the UAE, said: "The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards have been an enormous success over many years here in the UK and are now established in Ireland, France, Australia and the USA.

"Godolphin is delighted to continue to support them and show our strong commitment to the hard-working staff that underpin our wonderful industry."

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