The Derby, one of the most prestigious events in the UK horseracing calendar, will be sponsored by a gambling company for the first time after Jockey Club Racecourses (JCR) agreed a three-year deal with Betfred.
North West-based Betfred operates 1,400 betting shops nationwide, in addition to an online betting and gaming business. It will also take on sponsorship of the Oaks, the feature event on the opening afternoon of June’s two-day Derby Festival in Epsom, as part of the deal.