UK alcoholic ginger beer brand Crabbie’s has become the new title sponsor of horse racing’s Grand National and the Grand National Festival after sealing a three-year deal.
Under the terms of the agreement, the world-renowned steeplechase will be contested for a £1m (€1.2m/$1.6m) prize fund for the first time in its history.
The 2014 Grand National Festival takes place from April 3-5 at Aintree Racecourse and Crabbie’s will enjoy naming rights for the three races over Grand National Fences; the Fox Hunters’ Chase and the Topham Chase, along with the main race itself. Crabbie’s will also be the exclusive provider of ginger beer and cider for the festival through to 2016.
The partnership renews the longstanding relationship of Crabbie’s owner, Halewood International, with Aintree. Halewood International’s founder, the late John Halewood, owned the 2001 Grand National winner Amberleigh House.
Crabbie’s replace beer brand John Smith’s, the Grand National’s lead sponsor from 2005 to 2013.