Virgin Bet to continue its sponsorship of Ayr Gold Cup

Virgin Bet is to retain its sponsorship of the Ayr Gold Cup following a successful first year in 2021.

The deal is part of a wider partnership  to cover the entire three days of the Gold Cup Festival that will take place from the 15 to 17 September.

Alongside the Gold Cup, the firm will sponsor another eight races over the three days including the Silver and Bronze Cups, and Thursday’s Kilkerran Cup.

The Gold Cup will once again be shown live on ITV. Last year’s coverage reached 1.24 million people with the race itself hitting a peak viewership of 632,000.

James Mckay, sportsbook director at Virgin Bet said: “Following the success of last year’s partnership with Ayr Racecourse, we are proud to continue our sponsorship of one of the highlights in Scotland and the UK’s calendar.

“We can’t wait once again support British racing on what I’m sure will be a thrilling three days at the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival in September.”

Last year’s Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival attracted over 11,000 racegoers with the Kevin Stott-ridden Bielsa first past the post in the weekend’s flagship race.

David Brown, managing director of Ayr Racecourse, was effusive in his praise for the company that sponsored last year’s event.

“I know I speak for the entire team at Ayr in saying we are delighted that Virgin Bet has renewed its sponsorship of the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival.

“Sponsorship has never been as important to racing as it is now and to attract a sponsor of this magnitude underlines the importance of this festival,” he continued.