06.03.09 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

Matalan saddle-up to support World's greatest Steeplechase

Aintree Racecourse today announced that UK retail chain, Matalan have signed a one-year deal to become an official partner to the John Smith’s Grand National meeting.

The iconic race meeting, whose title sponsor is popular ale giant, John Smith’s, takes place at the famous Liverpool course from Thursday April, 2 to Saturday April, 4 and will see Matalan fill the final sponsorship berth, joining tote and Citroën as official meeting partners.  Matalan own over 200 stores and employs over 14,000 throughout the UK, with its Head Office based just 10 miles from the course in Skelmersdale, Lancashire.

As an official partner, Matalan take naming rights to two races at the meeting, which will both be televised by the official broadcaster, the BBC.  The Matalan name will be linked to two race titles at the meeting in the 2.35pm Matalan Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle on Thursday April, 2 and the 2.35pm Matalan.co.uk Mildmay Novices’ Steeplechase on Friday April, 3.

As well as these race sponsorships, Matalan will have branding presence on-course, in addition to working with the racecourse on pre-promotional opportunities in the build up to the meeting. 

Matalan will also become Aintree’s fashion partner for the racecourse’s style competition, Style 2009, the contest staged on Thursday and Friday of the meeting in which Aintree’s most stylish racegoer will win a £35,000 lifestyle prize. The winner of the contest will receive star treatment when taking part in a photo shoot at a top London Studio, where they will be styled by professional hair and make up artists and directed by international Fashion Designer, Jeff Banks. The photos from the same shoot will appear in Matalan’s autumn fashion campaign. The winner will also take home a Citroën C-Crosser HDi exclusive, worth over £25,000, and an Almond Resorts premium all-inclusive luxury 10-day holiday for two to a Caribbean destination. 

Commenting on the partnership, Julian Thick, Aintree’s Managing Director commented, “We are very excited about working with Matalan, who prove a great fit as a partner for the meeting.  It is exciting to be working with a company who has such a large national presence but who is also a large employer in the North West.”

Matalan Chief Executive, Alistair McGeorge, commented, "We are thrilled to be working with Aintree as an official partner for the John Smith's Grand National and as Fashion partner for Style 2009. As a local event the Grand National provides us with an exciting opportunity to present our fantastic new ranges to racegoers, along with communicating the Matalan brand on a national level."

Notes to editors

This year’s John Smith’s Grand National takes place at Aintree Racecourse from Thursday, April 2 to Saturday, April 4. Tickets and hospitality are still available for all three days of the meeting and can be bought directly from the Booking Office at the racecourse, online at aintree.co.uk, or by calling 0844 579 3001. From as little as £135 per person, raceday hospitality can be enjoyed on the opening day of the meeting.  To make a reservation, telephone 0151 522 2911