Racing Post underlines commitment to Irish racing with Leopardstown sponsorship

The Racing Post has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Irish racing by extending its sponsorship agreement with Leopardstown, providing title and race sponsorship of day one of the track's Christmas festival.

As part of the two-year agreement, the opening fixture of the festival will now be called Racing Post day, with the feature race of the card continuing to be named the Racing Post Novice Chase.

The Grade 1 has a rich history and has been won by the likes of Danoli, Moscow Flyer, Sizing Europe, Douvan, Min and Notebook.

The partnership provides a boost to the Dublin venue at a time when there is no sign of crowds returning to racecourses in Ireland immediately.

Speaking ahead of the Christmas festival, which boasts seven Grade 1 events and over €1 million in prize-money, Leopardstown CEO Tim Husbands said: "‘We're delighted to extend our partnership with Racing Post and are grateful for their continued support in these challenging times.

Connections of Notebook after winning the 2019 Racing Post Novice Chase at LeopardstownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"Racing has been able to continue through the most stringent of restrictions due to Covid-19 and this would not be possible without the support of our partners. We look forward to many more renewals of the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase, the highlight of the first day of the Leopardstown Christmas festival."

Racing Post retail director Alan Pepperell said: "It’s a hugely difficult time for racecourses across the UK and Ireland with no crowds in attendance. The work that is going on behind the scenes to get racing on in a safe environment is incredible.

"We’re delighted to continue our support with Leopardstown. Their Christmas festival has become a pilgrimage for a lot of Irish racing fans and while that won’t be the case this year we hope Racing Post day kicks off the festival in style."

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