Aintree’s Grade 1 Boxing Day Sponsored by William Hill

Bookmaker signs deal to boost festive sponsorship to 20 races

The first ever Boxing Day meeting at Aintree including the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle (formerly the Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle) will be sponsored by William Hill.

The leading bookmaker will sponsor six of the seven races on the card, notably the first running of the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree won in 2022 by superstar Constitution Hill when the race was contested as the Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.

With existing sponsorship at Wetherby, William Hill is now the backer of 20 races across December 26 and 27 while the deal strengthens Aintree’s current ties with the bookmaker as the official betting partner of the Grand National Festival.

“While many are winding down for Christmas, the racing world is revving up,” said William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps. “Boxing Day is always a massive day in the racing calendar and this year is even bigger with Aintree hosting its first ever December 26 meeting, which includes the inaugural running of the historic Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle as the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle.

“Our place as the official betting partner of the Grand National Festival in April is a very important one and we’re delighted to be further expanding our relationship with Aintree. Boxing Day races tend to draw big crowds, which is one draw of being involved as a sponsor, while the Grade 1, which has a roll of honour including none other than Constitution Hill, is sure to play a starring role in the wider Christmas coverage of the sport.”

Newly-sponsored races – Aintree, Boxing Day 2023:

• 11:55am William Hill Double Your Odds Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Cl4)
• 1:05pm William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (ITV)
• 1:40pm William Hill Epic Value Handicap Hurdle (Cl2)
• 2:15pm William Hill Epic Boost Handicap Chase (Cl3)
• 2:50pm William Hill Cheltenham NRMB from January 1 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Cl3)
• 3:25pm William Hill Stories Open National Hunt Flat Race (Cl4)