Betfred Celebrates Extended Sponsorship of the Oaks and Derby at Epsom

While a significant deal for the UK bookmaker, it is far from its first foray in the world of racing sponsorships. Betfred has previously backed high-profile meetings and races, including the likes of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Ebor, Cesarewitch and Cambridgeshire.

Online betting giant Betfred has announced that it has extended its sponsorship deal with the Oaks and Derby at Epsom. It has also been suggested that it has plans to sponsor numerous other races in the prestigious two-day festival, which will now be known as Betfred Derby Festival.

Betfred, in collaboration with Epsom's owner, the Jockey Club, acquired the rights to the Oaks and Derby in April. While a significant deal for the UK bookmaker, it is far from its first foray in the world of racing sponsorships. Betfred has previously backed high-profile meetings and races, including the likes of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Ebor, Cesarewitch and Cambridgeshire.

Amy Starkey, managing director of the Jockey Club, is thrilled to develop ties with Britain's largest independent bookmaker. Commenting on the strengthened partnership, she said:

"Betfred’s support of British racing over many years is clear for all to see and we can’t wait to get cracking with Fred and his team as we look to promote the greatest Flat race in the world in 2024 and beyond.”

Done, who formed the family-owned business back in 1967, said the deal would help Starkey and the team at Epsom "keep the fixture at the forefront of world racing".

A four-year collaboration will be the fourth longest in Derby history. Vodafone, which followed the race's initial commercial sponsor, Ever Ready, had a 14-year record as the race's largest backer before being replaced by Investec in 2009.

Auguste Rodin won the Derby at Epsom in Betfred's first year as a sponsor in June, when the build-up to the event was focussed on potential disturbance by animal rights activists, with the Jockey Club obtaining a High Court injunction against activist group Animal Rising.

Betfred will continue to sponsor the St Leger this year, in addition of the Oaks and Derby, after taking over the race in 2023. As a result, the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas, which are supported by investment firm Qipco, are presently the only British Classics that are not sponsored by the bookmaker.

Odds on the Epsom Oaks and Derby 2024

Our betting partners, Betfred, is offering some of the best ante-post odds on the 2024 Oaks and Derby races. Here are the top 5 horses in the betting markets for this year's instalment of each:

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