William Hill Expands Irish Racing Presence with New Ambassadors and Sponsorships
William Hill is set to enhance its horse racing offerings in Ireland by partnering with prominent figures from the Irish racing scene, including esteemed trainer Gavin Cromwell, renowned National Hunt jockeys J J Slevin and Sean Flanagan, and respected presenter and broadcaster Jane Mangan.
Strengthening Content with Expert Insights
These new collaborations are aimed at enriching William Hill’s content for the Irish market, with the ambassadors slated to provide insightful blogs on major racing news and events, as well as engaging video content for the bookmaker’s social media platforms. The initiative kicks off in time for the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, spotlighting Slevin as he partners with Irish Gold Cup contender, Fastorslow.
In addition to these ambassadorial signings, William Hill has reaffirmed its commitment to Irish horse racing by renewing its sponsorship of the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival for the next three years. This is part of a broader strategy to sponsor several key races, including the upcoming William Hill Boyne Hurdle at Navan.
Collaborating with Off The Ball for Live Events
Expanding its reach further, William Hill has entered into a partnership with Off The Ball, a leading Irish sports media company known for its diverse sports content. This collaboration will bring joint branded live horse racing events across Ireland, offering fans unique experiences and insights, starting with an event on February 1st, leading up to the Dublin Racing Festival, featuring all four of William Hill’s new Irish racing ambassadors.
Andrew McCleave, Head of Marketing at William Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnerships: “William Hill has a long proud history in horse racing, specifically in the UK, and for 2024 we want to position ourselves at the heart of racing in Ireland as well.” He highlighted the ambassadors’ ability to provide “fascinating and unique insight” and underscored the importance of embedding William Hill within the fabric of Irish racing through significant race sponsorships and the collaboration with Off The Ball.
Commentary: A Strategic Move into Irish Racing
William Hill’s strategic alignment with key figures in Irish horse racing and its investment in race sponsorships represent a significant move to bolster its presence in the Irish market. By leveraging the expertise and popularity of its new ambassadors and engaging with racing fans through live events, William Hill is poised to offer a richer, more immersive racing experience. This approach not only underscores William Hill’s commitment to the sport but also sets the stage for a deeper connection with the Irish racing community.
