20.01.10 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

MATALAN EXTENDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH WORLD'S GREATEST STEEPLECHASE

Aintree Racecourse today announced at its annual visit to the Grand National winning trainers’ yard, that UK retail chain, Matalan, has extended its official partnership of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting for the 2010 meeting. Following on from a successful inaugural year, Matalan will take naming rights to two BBC televised races, the 2.35pm Matalan Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle on Thursday, April 8 and the 2.35pm matalan.co.uk Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Friday, April 9.

Matalan will also continue to work with Aintree as a fashion partner for the racecourse’s style competition, Style 2010. The contest, staged on Thursday and Friday of the meeting, will again see Aintree’s most stylish racegoer win an exclusive lifestyle prize, including a starring role in Matalan’s autumn fashion campaign, along with a trip to a top London Studio to be personally styled and directed by International Fashion Designer & Matalan Ambassador, Jeff Banks.

Matalan join title sponsor John Smith’s and betting partner Tote as supporters for the 2010 race meeting. 

Commenting on the extension of the partnership, Julian Thick, Aintree’s Managing Director said, “We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Matalan, who prove a great fit as a partner for the meeting. It is exciting to be working with a company which has such a large national presence, and is also a large employer in the North West.”

Matalan Chief Executive, Alistair McGeorge, commented, “Matalan is delighted to announce that it will be working for the second year in a row with Aintree as an official partner for the John Smith’s Grand National. As a leading UK fashion retailer, we will be its fashion partner for Style 2010 following the exceptional success of our partnership with it last year.

 “We are a national retailer with our roots locally, so we are particularly proud to be supporting such a high profile local event. We look forward to another successful partnership and enjoying the excitement the days bring.”