Ladbrokes support Silver Bell for three more years

HAMILTON have announced that Ladbrokes have signed up to sponsor the historic Lanark Silver Bell Racenight for the next three years.

The Lanarkshire course will host its fifth running of the race for the 1165-dated Lanark Silver Bell trophy during its evening meeting on 24 August this year.

Following their initial one-year sponsorship of the fixture in 2011, betting giant Ladbrokes have now committed to a further three years of support of the meeting.

Ladbrokes’ Michael O’Connor said: “We are very proud to extend our association with such an historic sporting event following the success of the partnership last year.

“Hamilton Park is a racecourse which has shown its real willing to invest in its racing and we hope our sponsorship will support this and help them attract the top quality card which such a prestigious race deserves. We look forward to more great nights of racing at the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Racenight over the next three years.”

The trophy itself is believed to be the oldest sporting trophy in existence and dates back to 1165 when it was gifted to the people of Lanark by King William “The Lion”. Last year the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell was won by 10-1 shot Shernando.

Hamilton chief executive Vivien Kyles said: “It’s a tremendous vote of confidence for Hamilton Park that such a major betting brand in Ladbrokes has agreed in advance to three years of sponsorship for one of our racenights.

“What that demonstrates is the huge appeal of the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell as a historic trophy and prestigious race. It brings home the fact that racing in Lanarkshire has such a rich heritage when you consider the origins of the Bell.

“What this sponsorship will help us to do is stage a meeting and a feature race befitting of that history, with a high quality card featuring some of the UK’s top owners, trainers, jockeys and, of course, horses. We’re very grateful to Ladbrokes for their continued support.”