Grand National Title Sponsor (John Smith's)
The National Favourite
Owned and brewed by Scottish & Newcastle plc, the UK’s leading producer of beer and cider, John Smith’s is the number one ale brand in Britain where it sells well over one million pints a day. Already a long-term backer of horseracing, Britain’s favourite ale saddled up with the country’s favourite race in 2005 when John Smith’s was unveiled as the title sponsor of the Grand National.
An initial three-year agreement installed John Smith’s as the biggest financial supporter of racing from outside the sport and, in November, 2006, the partnership with Aintree was enriched as John Smith’s showed its ‘staying power’ and extended the sponsorship until 2010.
John Smith’s became synonymous with racing through its continuing support for the John Smith’s Cup at York, which, in its 48th year, enjoys the distinction of being the country’s longest running Flat race sponsorship. Since then, John Smith’s has invested millions of pounds in the sport and its sponsorship programme today encompasses top quality race days at the majority of UK racecourses, led by a number of high-profile sponsorships including the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, the John Smith’s Stakes at Newbury and the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.
In addition, John Smith’s is a supporter of several racing welfare charities. Most importantly, John Smith’s has successfully built on its association with racing to introduce many new faces to ‘The Sport of Kings’ through a series of innovative trade and consumer promotions spearheaded by the John Smith’s People’s Race, the charity Flat race which offers 10 members of the public a unique chance to experience the thrills and excitement of Aintree as a jockey by winning a ride in the opening race on Grand National day.
In its first year, the John Smith’s People’s Race attracted over 3,000 entries in just 10 days and the competition raised over £100,000 for charity. This year’s race is set to be even bigger and better and the organisers expect the event to raise around £500,000 for the official race charity Sport Relief and other good causes.
The Imagine Appeal of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is the official charity of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting. Please visit www.imagineappeal.com for further details.
Site navigation:
