William Hill Returns to Cheltenham Festival Sponsorship with County Handicap Hurdle

William Hill has been announced as the new sponsor of the County Handicap Hurdle at The Cheltenham Festival, marking the bookmaker's return to sponsorship at Jump racing's premier event. The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle, a highly competitive race often attracting a full field, will be run over an extended two miles on Gold Cup Day, Friday 14th March 2025.

This partnership builds on William Hill's successful association with The Jockey Club, where it is currently the Official Betting Partner of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree. The bookmaker is also sponsoring the Grade One Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day, and this weekend, William Hill will lend its name to five races during Cheltenham's opening meeting of the season, The Showcase.

To kick off the festivities, racing fans can join The William Hill Showcase Saturday Centaur Preview hosted by Nick Luck on October 26th. Joined by racing legends Sir AP McCoy and Barry Geraghty, the event will offer expert insights into the day’s races. Entry is free for Club and Tattersalls ticket holders.

William Hill has a storied history with Cheltenham, having previously sponsored the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase from 1998 to 2010 and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2009, 2012, and 2013. Commenting on the renewed partnership, Dan Glavin, Bookmaker Partnerships Manager at The Jockey Club, said:

“It is fantastic to welcome back such a famous brand as William Hill to sponsorship at The Cheltenham Festival. We extend our thanks to William Hill for its generous support, including the sponsorship of the County Hurdle and throughout the season, starting on Friday at The Showcase.”

Daryl West, William Hill’s Head of Media and Sponsorship, expressed excitement about the bookmaker’s return to the Festival:

“As William Hill celebrates over 90 years in the industry, we’re embracing our heritage and being part of horse racing's biggest days is something we've done throughout our history. Racedays don't come much bigger than Gold Cup Day, so we're delighted to be a part of it and back at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025. The County Hurdle is always a great betting heat, and we’ve seen some fantastic hurdlers use it as a springboard to greatness.”

West also highlighted William Hill's commitment to offering "proper prices" and extra places for each-way backers. This sponsorship, alongside their role as Official Betting Partners of the Grand National, demonstrates William Hill’s strengthened relationship with The Jockey Club and reinforces its presence at major spring racing festivals.

For Sir AP McCoy and Barry Geraghty, the County Hurdle holds special memories. McCoy, who won the race on Blowing Wind in 1998, recalled:

“The County Hurdle was the sign that Blowing Wind was developing into a real talent... we’ve seen that a few times down the years with the likes of Rooster Booster and State Man, who went on to great things.” Geraghty, a dual winner of the race, added:

“Spirit Leader’s win in 2003 crowned a great week for me. I also had my last ever Cheltenham Festival winner on Saint Roi in the race in 2020, so the County Hurdle holds fond memories for me.”

William Hill is not the only bookmaker to confirm its Cheltenham Festival sponsorships this week. BetMGM will sponsor the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival until 2027.