Thirsk Hunt Cup to be sponsored by Ladbrokes

One of the oldest handicaps in the calendar, the Thirsk Hunt Cup, is to be sponsored by Ladbrokes.

First run in 1859, the £50,000 mile handicap is Thirsk’s most prestigious race and highlight of Thirsk Hunt Cup Day on Saturday May 3.

Ladbrokes already boasts a strong sponsorship portfolio in horse racing, including Kempton Park’s Ladbrokes Christmas Festival, the Ladbrokes Chester Cup and the Ladbrokes Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Farhh is the most notable winner of the Thirsk Hunt Cup in recent years, taking the 2012 edition by six lengths before a memorable Group One double the following year in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury and Ascot’s Champion Stakes.

Simon Clare, PR Director for Ladbrokes, said: “We are excited to sponsor such an iconic and prestigious race as the Thirsk Hunt Cup, and look forward to partnering with Thirsk Racecourse as we seek to strengthen our support and promotion of the sport.”

James Sanderson, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said: “We are delighted to have Ladbrokes sponsoring the Thirsk Hunt Cup and its supporting programme in 2025. The £50,000 Ladbrokes Thirsk Hunt Cup is an early Flat season highlight in the North and we are very grateful for Ladbrokes’ most valued support.

“Over the past 10 years, northern-based trainers have held a vice-like grip on the contest, with the notable exception of Mick Channon (and Storting) in 2021. Thirsk always welcomes challengers from far and wide but taking the 2025 Ladbrokes Thirsk Hunt Cup down south will be no easy task!“