Bookmaker Betfred has agreed to extend its title sponsorship of the major British horse racing event, the Epsom Derby, for a further year.

Betfred sponsored the Derby Festival for the first time in 2023 under an initial three-year deal. This has now been extended for another year and applies to every event until at least 2026.

Under the new agreement, the bookmaker will now have naming rights to each day of the two-day event

Betfred will also be extending its support for racing during the festival. The bookmaker will support a total of six races at each edition of the event, with the existing contract only covering two races.

Betfred boss hails ‘unforgettable’ first year

“After an unforgettable two days at Epsom last year, we are delighted to be further expanding our support of the Betfred Derby Festival,” said Betfred boss Fred Done. “We really look forward to working with the team to keep the race at the forefront of world racing.”

Amy Starkey, managing director for the eastern region at Jockey Club Racecourses, which owns Epsom Racecourse, also welcomed the extension.

“Our relationship with Betfred has spanned many years and many major races. We look forward to strengthening our partnership at Epsom Downs even further.

“Betfred’s long-standing support of British racing is clear for all to see. We can’t wait to get started with Fred and his team and promote the world’s greatest flat race in 2024 and beyond.”

Betfred CEO Whittaker has been named to iGB’s Most Influential Women list

Confirmation of the deal comes after iGB named Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker to its 2023 Most Influential Women list last month.

Whittaker took over the position of CEO at Betfred from Done in 2021. A 20-year collaboration between the two followed.

During more than two years at the helm, Whittaker has presided over a successful period for the bookmaker. In 2022, revenue increased 37.5% year-on-year to £723.2m (€839.0m/$918.5m).

When she was named one of iGB’s Most Influential Women in Gaming in 2023, Whittaker said there was an emerging female leadership in the industry today.