theOnlineCasino
Support
The History of Grand National Sponsorship

The History of Grand National Sponsorship

Have you heard of the horse racing event of Grand National? Well, you must have! Especially if you have an inclination towards horse racing betting, you must have come across the event. The grand event draws the attention of nearly 600 million people every year.  However, staging such a grand horse racing event is not an easy task. It is the Grand National sponsors who have made the event a big success.

The event has now become a worldwide event, with millions of people from nearly 140 countries turning to see 40 jockeys competing to achieve the first position. People around the globe not only watch the horse racing event of Grand National but also place bets. With the increase in popularity of sports betting, this event has become a betting event. About 12.9 million people are estimated to be placing bets on the horse racing event of Grand National.

As the event appeals to a large global audience, it provides the sponsors with an opportunity to come into the view of the public. This, in turn, helps in increasing their brand awareness among the people. Over the years, there have been a number of sponsors of Grand National. Sponsors come and go. However, they are fondly remembered for providing the required financial backing during the associated years. Are you interested in knowing about the Grand National Sponsors?  If yes, take a look at the complete history of the Grand National sponsors. Let’s dive in!

It All Started with Seagram (1984 – 1991)

Seagram-(1984 1991)

The first sponsor of Grand National was Seagram. The horse race was quite popular among the TV audience and people interested in betting on sporting events. However, it was not until the year 1984 that Grand National got its first ever title sponsor. The lucky firm, Seagram, was a Canadian whiskey distiller. 

As per the old legend, Seagram’s chairman, Ivan Straker, was a horse race fanatic. He persuaded the decision-makers of the brand to sponsor the rice in order to save Aintree racecourse from being sold to some property developer. To Straker, this was a wonderful opportunity for Seagram to raise its profile. 

In the final year, when Seagram sponsored the Grand National, the race was won by a horse named Seagram. If the rumours are to be believed, the Canadian company wanted to buy the horse. However, the offer was declined.

Next Came Martell Cognac (1992 – 2004)

In the history of the horse race, Martell is known as one of the longest serving Grand National Sponsors. Essentially, it can be seen as a continuation of the sponsorship of Seagram because Martell was owned by Seagram at that time. Martell Cognac took over the naming rights in the year 1992 in a £4.5 million deal. 

As per the Aintree racecourse’s former managing director, Charles Barnett, the sponsorship years of Martell transformed the face of Grand National betting. The number of attendances increased from 87,000 in the year 1992 to 140,000 in 2003. 

Martell-Cognac-(1992 2004)

John Smith’s (2005 – 2013)

John-Smiths-J2005 2013)

John Smith’s is a Tadcaster-based brewery. It manufactures the highest selling bitter in the United Kingdom. The reputed bitter brand came forward to financially back Grand National in the year 2005. 

In the very first year of sponsorship, the prize pool was consistent at £700,000. However, by the final term, the prize pool was increased to £975,000. 

The deal of John Smith’s came to an end in the year 2013. Commercial interest was one of the reasons. However, a prominent reason was the negative press that followed after the death of 2 horses in the event of 2012. 

Crabbie’s (2014 – 2016)

The trend of alcohol brands being the Grand National Sponsors continued, and Crabbie’s became the next sponsor of the horse race in the year 2013. The alcoholic ginger beer under the Halewood Wines and Spirits sponsored the horse race for three years.

Crabbie’s created a landmark moment in the history of Grand National by increasing the prize pool to £1 million. For the very first time, the kitty of Grand National reached the seven-figure mark. 

However, Halewood Wines and Spirits in the year 2015 saw that they were experiencing huge losses. So, they decided to end the partnership and not renew their sponsorship as they were not getting the desired value for the investment made. 

Crabbies

Randox Health (2017 – Present)

Randox-Health

Breaking the tradition of being sponsored by the alcohol brands, Randox Health became one of the Grand National sponsors. It came as a surprise for everyone as the horse race was being continuously sponsored by the alcohol brands only over the years. It was the very first time when a healthcare brand sponsored the Grand National. 

Randox Health was established in 1982. The company specialises in medical tests and diagnostic technology for identifying and preventing hormone imbalances, kidney health, and heart disease.

In addition to sponsoring the main horse race, Randox Health is the official partner of The Jockey Club. The Jockey Club owns about 15 racecourses in the UK, including Epsom, Aintree, as well as Cheltenham. In December 2020, Randox Health entered into an agreement with The Jockey Club for extending its sponsorship for five years of the greatest steeplechase in the world. 

Conclusion

Now, you must have gained a clear idea of who all the Grand National Sponsors are. The demand for casinos online and sports betting has been on the rise in recent times. Horse racing has become one of the interesting esports that people like to bet on. Whether you, an online betting or esports gambling enthusiast, horse racing is one of the best events to bet on and win big.

When it is about horse racing, you must bet on the horse racing events of Grand National. The high odds and generous bonuses are sure to take your excitement to the next level. Select a horse race, place a bet, and stand a chance to win big.

Share Review :

Rate this post
Google

Post Name : The History of Grand National Sponsorship

Posted On : 12/02/2022

Author : Cameron Riddell