The Jockey Club unveils Gallagher Novices' Hurdle as the Cheltenham Festival opener.
The highly-anticipated second day of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival will kick off with the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle, as announced by The Jockey Club. This Grade One event, previously known as the Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle, has seen a rotation of sponsors in recent times, including prominent names like Neptune Investment Management and Ballymore.
Gallagher, a renowned global insurance broking and risk management firm, solidified its partnership with The Jockey Club in May 2023 by becoming its Official Community Partner. The company has now extended its support by associating its name with a two-mile-five-furlong race, which boasts a prestigious roll of honour featuring the likes of Faugheen (2014), Envoi Allen (2020), and Impaire Et Passe (2023).
This collaboration between The Jockey Club and Gallagher is driven by a shared vision to introduce the sport of horse racing to a diverse array of young individuals from various backgrounds and communities, with the hope of inspiring them to consider a future in the racing industry.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Sophie Chambers, managing director of Gallagher's bloodstock practice, stated,
"We are delighted to strengthen our ties with The Jockey Club through our sponsorship of the Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival later this month. Our joint efforts have made significant strides in broadening the sport's appeal to young people, and this partnership marks a natural progression in that regard."
Chambers further added,
"Horse racing presents an incredible opportunity, and we aim to encourage more youngsters who may not have previously considered it as a career path to explore the diverse roles available within the racing and thoroughbred industry. Beyond the jockeys that grace the racecourses, there are numerous rewarding career paths offering substantial prospects for growth. We trust that our upcoming series of experience days will enlighten young individuals about the potential opportunities awaiting them."
Matt Powell, acting director of partnerships at The Jockey Club, commended Gallagher for their pivotal role in enhancing the Junior and Youth experience days, which play a crucial part in engaging communities not typically reached by the sport.
Powell expressed excitement about the future prospects of their partnership, with the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle set to inaugurate the proceedings on Style Wednesday.