BoyleSports becomes new title sponsor of Lockinge Stakes at Newbury Racecourse

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Irish gambling operator BoyleSports have extended their presence on the British horse racing scene by agreeing to a three-year partnership for the Lockinge Stakes race at Newbury Racecourse.

The bookmakers will hold the naming nights to the Group 1 race and until 2027 at least, and it will now be known as the BoyleSports Lockinge with Ladies Day.

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This year's race will take place on 17 May and is one of the most important fixtures across the entire flat racing season, having been contested since 1958.

Run over a distance of one mile, horses have to be four years or older to enter the race and the event boasts a total prize fund of £400,000 for the 2025 edition.

The race has a rich history, with horses such as Broken Hearted (1988) who was owned by the grandson of Saudi's founder, King Abdulaziz. Pall Mall (1958 & 1959) was owned by Queen Elizabeth II and the ruler of Dubai - at the time - also raced a horse called Soviet Line (1995 & 1996), all of whom claimed victory over the years.

Famed British jockey Lester Piggot won the race a record six times; Sovereign Path (1960), the Creditor (1964), Sparkler (1973), Belmont Bay (1981), Polar Falcon (1991) and Swing Low (1993) during his illustrious career.

The race is also one of the eight World Pool events on the calendar which is held in collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC).

BoyleSports three-year deal to sponsor the Lockinge Stakes will also see the bookmaker sponsor another race on the day. The BoyleSports Handicap Stakes is a Class 2 Handicap which is worth £75,000.

"We are delighted to be announced as the new Principal Partner of the Lockinge Stakes,” said BoyleSports CEO Vlad Kaltenieks following the announcement of this new deal.

“This prestigious race has a rich history in flat racing, and we are thrilled to play a part in supporting its continued success.

“At BoyleSports, we are passionate about bringing exciting and world-class racing experiences to fans, and the Lockinge Stakes perfectly aligns with our commitment to the sport. We look forward to an exciting partnership and a thrilling race ahead."

Elsewhere, Newbury Racecourse CEO Shaun Hinds, expressed his delight in partnering with the betting giants: “We are delighted to announce the new partnership with BoyleSports and extend our thanks for their support of the Lockinge Stakes.

“This Group 1 race is the feature of our flat season and a clear highlight in our racing year here at Newbury and we are pleased to welcome BoyleSports as the new headline partner for this incredibly important and popular fixture.

“BoyleSports is a big supporter of Irish racing, and we are very proud to be able to work alongside them to extend their sponsorship portfolio in Britain.”

The bookmaker is hoping that bolstering their presence in the horse racing scene will lead to more potential partnerships over the next few years.

Lockinge Stakes now joins the BoyleSports Irish Grand National and the Munster National as part of BoyleSport’s racing portfolio.