William Hill Returns as Sponsor of Futurity Trophy Stakes

William Hill has been named the official sponsor of the Group 1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster, marking the bookmaker’s return to the race after originally sponsoring it in 1976. The Futurity Trophy Stakes, the final British top-level Flat race of 2024, has a prestigious history of producing future Classic winners, including recent champions such as Auguste Rodin, winner of both the Derby and Irish Derby.

The two-day event will feature eight races under the William Hill banner, with the Futurity Trophy Stakes serving as the headline race. Notably, renowned trainer Aidan O’Brien is aiming for his 12th win in the race, with ante-post favorite The Lion In Winter currently offered at 5/2 odds by the new sponsor.

This sponsorship renewal strengthens William Hill’s long-standing association with horse racing, underscoring its commitment to supporting key events in the sport.

Racing Sponsorship Manager for William Hill, Mark Walton, said: “We’re delighted to become the sponsors of the Group 1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes, strengthening our relationship with Arena Racing Company as the curtain falls on the 2024 Flat season.

“It’s fantastic to once again be associated with such a prestigious event, the final Group 1 of the British Flat campaign, made more special by the fact that William Hill were the sponsors of the race when it became the Futurity back in 1976. I’m tremendously excited to see which two-year-old emerges as racing’s next big star.

“We’re thrilled to be sponsoring on such a key weekend in the British racing calendar, which also features Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting, as William Hill continues its commitment to great prices for our customers on the flat and over jumps.”

ARC Director of Commercial Strategy & Partnerships, David Leyden Dunbar, said: “William Hill have a long association with Doncaster Racecourse and the Futurity Trophy in particular so we are delighted to welcome them back to the race. Recent years have proven it an excellent opportunity for some of the UK and Ireland’s best two-year-olds, and we look forward to another excellent renewal in October.”