Hennessy could give Ladbrokes a nasty hangover as old habits die hard

Taking over the sponsorship of a longstanding household-name race runs one risk above all, namely that the racing public simply will not take to the new title.

On Saturday we have the Ladbrokes Trophy, which has been the Hennessy since 1957 when some of us were just 22 months old. Not easy to get a bet on at that age.

Ladbrokes are to be thanked for stepping into the breach when the brandy boys folded their tents, but for most jump fans the race will always be called the Hennessy.