Ryanair backing for Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree

Ryanair has been announced as the sponsor of the Grade One Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree in a two-year deal.The £150,000 contest, registered as the Liverpool Hurdle, will be staged on Grand National Day, April 8.Run over an extended three miles, it was won by Thistlecrack last season. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary is a leading owner under the banner of Gigginstown House Stud, whose colours were carried to victory in the Grand National by Rule The World last spring.He said: "We are very pleased to partner with Aintree Racecourse to sponsor the Grade One Ryanair Stayers' Hurdle, which always attracts a top-class field."Aintree managing director John Baker said: "With so many fantastic winners of this great race, we hope Ryanair will enjoy making even more history at Aintree."