Racing Post to sponsor next week's December Gold Cup at Cheltenham

Cheltenham's upcoming December Gold Cup, won by stars such as Exotic Dancer and Frodon, will be run as the Racing Post Gold Cup after the publisher's parent company Spotlight Sports Group stepped in to sponsor the Grade 3 handicap chase.

The 2m4½f contest, captured 12 months ago by Chatham Street Lad, takes place at Cheltenham on Saturday, December 11, when it headlines the track's International meeting.

Tom Kerr, Racing Post editor and group racing director, said: "We are proud to further support racing through this sponsorship with Cheltenham, the home of jump racing and one of the world's most iconic sporting venues.

"This partnership and our continuing sponsorship of the Racing Post Day at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival helps underline the Racing Post's commitment to racing in the UK and Ireland."

Dashel Drasher, successful at the highest level in February's Ascot Chase, heads the weights for the Racing Post Gold Cup, in which his rivals could include last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Midnight Shadow.

Lalor, an encouraging third in that contest, is among the market leaders for next week's race, as is his progressive Paul Nicholls-trained stablemate Hitman.

Ian Renton, managing director of Jockey Club West, said: "We are delighted to have the Racing Post as sponsors of the Racing Post Gold Cup at the International meeting. It is always a fantastic race and we are looking forward to this year's renewal. We are very grateful to Racing Post for their continued support and are pleased to have them back on board as a partner of ours."

The Racing Post recently committed to backing day one of the Leopardstown Christmas festival and its 2m1f Grade 1 novice chase, which features Douvan, Min and Footpad on its roll of honour.

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