 | Cyfor Malta won the race for a second time in 2002 |
One of jump racing's most famous events has a new name. The Paddy Power Gold Cup is how Cheltenham's feature race at its Open meeting in November will now be known.
A race over two-and-a-half miles, its previous sponsors have included Mackesons, Murphys and Thomas Pink.
Horses who have won the event since its inception in 1960 include Gay Trip, Bradbury Star, and most recently, Cyfor Malta.
In a five-year deal, the sponsorship covers the whole Open meeting but does not affect any races at the famous National Hunt Festival in March, including the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.
A �10,000 increase in prize money will mean the Paddy Power Gold Cup offers a pot totalling �110,000.
Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie said: "We are thrilled to announce this exciting new sponsorship."
John O'Reilly, chief excecutive of Irish bookmakers Paddy Power, said: "We are delighted to commit to National Hunt racing in such a high profile partnership."
MMIX
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