Stobart Group, who recently announced their sponsorship of the 2015 Flat Jockeys’ Championship, unveiled a 10-strong fleet of their signature trucks all featuring imagery of leading lights from the Weighing Room in an initiative that will not only further strengthen the position of Stobart Group as a brand synonymous with horseracing, but will also promote jockeys and the sport up and down the country.
Ascot provided a fitting backdrop for the striking imagery with all ten trucks parked around the parade ring where, in six months’ time the 2015 Champion Flat Jockey will be crowned the winner on Britain’s richest race day, QIPCO British Champions Day. In support of the visual campaign, jockeys, Paul Hanagan, William Buick and current Champion Flat Jockey, Richard Hughes were in attendance to launch their signature truck.
Paul Hanagan, two-time Champion Jockey commented: “This is great as suddenly we have become giant adverts on motorways across the country. Stobart Group has really got behind the new Championship and I will be doing my utmost to regain the title of Champion Jockey.”
Richard Hughes, current Champion Jockey said: “I have made it clear from the start that I won’t be giving up my title without a fight and will doing my best to win it for a fourth and final time. I have backed the new format since it was first announced.”
Andrew Tinkler, Chief Executive of Stobart Group commented: “Our brand’s association with racing is something we are very proud of. Working with Great British Racing, the fleet of trucks is just one element of our activation plan. The revised format of the Championship provides an opportunity for Stobart Group as sponsor to raise the profiles of our leading jockeys and promote them as outstanding professional athletes. For me personally and I hope many others too, it is great to see the jockeys become moving billboards for the sport and for their profession.”
Rod Street, Chief Executive of Great British Racing and British Champions Series said: “The Stobart Flat Jockeys’ Championship will help to build the profile of our racing stars, generating greater interest in our sport and allowing us to reach bigger audiences. We welcome Stobart Group as a sponsor and are excited to be working with them in promoting some of the best aspects of British horseracing and will continue to look at ways in which we can work with them across their own platforms and audiences.”
Guy Henderson, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse said: “Racing’s new Flat Jockeys’ Championship is very exciting for us as it culminates at Ascot, on QIPCO British Champions Day. We will be giving much thought to the presentation on the day, which will be a great celebration on Britain’s finale to the Flat season.”
Amy Starkey of Regional Director of Jockey Club East added: “Newmarket Racecourses are delighted to host the opening day of the Stobart Flat Jockeys’ Championship. As the Home of Horseracing, we have a proud history of showcasing the very best of human and equine talent and the launch of the Championship will further enhance the prestige of the QIPCO Guineas Festival.”
Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority added: “This is an excellent example of the what can happen when organisations within the industry come together to deliver for the sport and I commend the work of Great British Racing and the Professional Jockeys Association, as well as the generous sponsorship by Stobart who have been key supporters of British Racing. I have no doubt that the initiative will be a great success in helping to building the profile of the sport.”
