Coral Announce Major Sponsorship Extension

Known as the Clash of the Generations, the Coral Eclipse is a prestigious Group One Horse Race which forms an important part of the calendar at the Sandown Park course. The Coral Group have already been a part of this event for a number of years and this week have announced an extension to the existing deal which will see the operator involved with the race for a further five years.

An increase in the overall prize fund is the most important factor in the arrangement which will continue to ensure a strong declaration for this race which traditionally takes place in early July.

Financial Boost

For the 2017 renewal, the Coral Eclipse received a prize fund worth £500,000 which is a generous sum by anyone’s standards but that figure has increased for this year by a significant 50%. The new, prize pot of £750,000 has been possible thanks to Coral and to the Jockey Club who have split financial responsibilities but the focus is on the bookmaker with news of the contract renewal.

It has been stated that the high quality of entries in recent years has been acknowledged and the move to increase the funding has been made in order to ensure that the best in domestic and overseas talent returns to Sandown Park each year.

Enthusiasm

In welcoming the deal Phil White, London Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses said:

We are delighted Coral have extended their partnership with us. This is one of the longest running sponsorship’s in British racing and we are hugely grateful to Coral for their long and continued support.

Their enthusiasm and commitment to the Grade 1 race has enabled us to increase the prize money for this year’s race to record levels.

In reply, Coral’s PR Director Simon Clare added:

The Coral-Eclipse is our flagship sponsorship, and we are incredibly proud of our longstanding association with the race and with Sandown Park that has spanned an incredible 43 years.

It is however vital to ensure that this prestigious and enduring Group 1 race maintains its pre-eminent and unique position in the Racing calendar and we are thrilled that the Jockey Club with our support is increasing the prize money by 50%.

Historic Event

The Eclipse Stakes was first run back in 1886 and is one of the oldest running flat races for thoroughbreds on the calendar. It was named after a historic racehorse and when it was first held, the Eclipse was the richest race in Britain. Run at just over one mile and one furlong, the race has recorded some notable winners among horses and jockeys in its long history including the great Lester Piggott who is the record holder with seven wins overall.

That accolade of Britain’s richest horse race has since been passed over but by renewing their deal and increasing the prize fund from 2018 onwards, the Coral Group has helped to ensure that the Eclipse will continue to attract the best competitors from Britain and beyond.