Sky Bet is new sponsor of The Ebor horse race

Sky Bet has signed a five-year deal to become the new title sponsor of The Ebor horse race. With this Sky Bet will replace Betfred in the role of title sponsor for the annual racing event hosted at England’s York Racecourse.

The 2018 Sky Bet Ebor will offer a prize fund of £500,000 (€571,200/$702,100), up 75% on last year’s race.

Sky Bet intends to further boost prize money, with next year’s race to feature a total purse of £1m.

The firm has also agreed to serve as title sponsor of the Melrose Stakes, known as the “three-year-old Ebor,” as well as continue its support of the Listed City of York Stakes Group Three race.

Richard Flint, chief executive of Sky Bet, said: “Sky Bet is proud to be based in Yorkshire and we are excited to be part of the future of such a great race.

“Today is only the first phase of an exciting partnership which I hope will mean fantastic things for Yorkshire racing.”

Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, added: “British racing has made its commitment to the continued production of quality staying horses well known, and this sizeable investment is another boost for owners, breeders and trainers of staying horses.”