Private bookmaker Fitzdares has confirmed that it will be continuing its support of the UK racing industry through its sponsorship of the upcoming Peterborough Chase in December.
The bookmaker will be launching the £500,000 Best Mate Bonus to mark the 50th anniversary of the race, and to celebrate the revered jump horse, Best Mate.
The half a million pound bonus will be made available to any horse that wins the Peterborough Chase, King George VI Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in one season, as Best Mate famously did in 2002.
William Woodhams, CEO of Fitzdares, commented: “We are fully committed to supporting UK racing and like to put our money where our mouth is, which is why we have put up this huge bonus. Courses like Huntingdon are what makes National Hunt racing ingrained in our culture.
“It is our role as a bookmaker to support them not just financially but also with creative initiatives that drive awareness and attendance. With the first-ever Trainers Derby as well, it’s going to be a day to remember. Wrap up warm!”
The race day card will consist of seven races, including the 50th Peterborough Chase, and a extra race, the first-ever trainer’s race. The Trainers Derby will see trainers taking to the saddle to raise funds for Racing Welfare, highlighting both Fitzdares and the Jockey Club’s continued support of trainers and stables in East Anglia.
Fitzdares’ latest race sponsorship has already captured the attention of both Newmarket trainers Charlie Fellowes and George Scott, who have since confirmed that they will be participating in the competition.