Betfred grows Epsom Derby partnership

The largest independent bookmaker on the high street in the UK, Betfred, announced a new horseracing deal last week. The company confirmed it agreed to extend its three-year partnership with the Jockey Club, for the sponsorship of one of the most-anticipated events in horseracing for the country, the Epsom Derby. As a result, Betfred extended its agreement with the Jockey Club for another year.

This means that the leading bookmaker will sponsor the Derby Festival, covering events through 2026. The sponsorship extension comes after last year, Betfred supported the Derby Festival for the first time. Now, 2024 will mark the debut of the Betfred Derby Festival, as the bookmaker secured full naming rights for both days of the Festival.

Besides securing naming rights for each day of the horseracing event, Betfred will extend its sponsorship, covering other races. In total, the bookmaker will support up to six races across the Derby Festival.

Amy Starkey, Jockey Club Racecourses' Managing Director, shared her excitement about the latest collaboration in a statement. "Our relationship with Betfred spans many years and many major races, and we are delighted to be strengthening our partnership at Epsom Downs still further following a brilliant first running of The Betfred Derby in 2023," she explained.

Finally, Starkey said: "Betfred’s support of British racing over many years is clear for all to see and we can’t wait to get cracking with Fred and his team as we look to promote the greatest Flat race in the world in 2024 and beyond."

Fred Done, Betfred's owner, was similarly thrilled about the new collaboration. "Following on from a memorable two days at Epsom last year we are delighted to further develop our support of the Betfred Derby Festival and we very much look forward to working with Amy and her team to keep the fixture at the forefront of world racing," he explained.

Betfred was founded by Done back in 1967 in Salford. Starting with a single betting shop, the brand has grown to become the largest independent bookmaker in the UK. By now, Betfred has more than 1,400 betting shops across the UK. Additionally, the company operates in other major markets, including the USA, as well as South Africa.

Image credit: Pixabay.com