Betfair to title sponsor Northumberland Plate Festival, Fighting Fifth Hurdle

UK betting exchange platform Betfair has signed as the new title sponsor of the Northumberland Plate Festival and Fighting Fifth Hurdle race.

The multi-year deal was signed with Newcastle Racecourse and the Arena Racing Company, the owner and commercial operator of both events.

The Betfair Northumberland Plate Festival runs for three days, from June 27 to June 29.

Its biggest race will be rebranded as the Betfair Exchange Northumberland Plate, and will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and Sky Sports Racing.

The Northumberland Plate is a two-mile handicap race. It has been run at Gosforth Park since 1882 and is known locally as the Pitmen’s Derby.

Other feature races at the festival include the Group 3 Betfair Exchange Chipchase Stakes and the Group 3 Betfair Exchange Hoppings Stakes.

Betfair will also take over as the new title sponsor of the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle, a two-mile race that takes place in December.