Cheltenham Festival
William Hill And The Association With Cheltenham Racecourse
While William Hill had a long history of on-course bookmaking in the betting ring, the year 2018 marked their entry into on-site, fixed-odds betting shops, including the Jockey Club’s flagship racecourse – Cheltenham.
Initially a five-year agreement, but still in operation now, William Hill provide a High Street retail betting shop experience across several outlets on the Cheltenham Racecourse site. This arrangement is a major benefit to both parties, especially when the Festival takes place.
Speaking about the original agreement with the Jockey Club, William Hill’s Divisional Director at the time, Steven White, said:
“We are delighted to reach this landmark agreement with Jockey Club Racecourses. William Hill shares The Jockey Club’s vision and passion for horseracing and we believe this will be a formidable partnership that will benefit the sport of horseracing for years to come.”
Cheltenham Festival Sponsorship
William Hill’s history with the Cheltenham Festival includes its sponsorship of the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase from 1998 to 2010, as well as the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2009, 2012, and 2013.
As of October 2024, William Hill became the new sponsor of the County Handicap Hurdle at The Festival, marking a return to the famous horse racing event. The “William Hill County Handicap Hurdle”, one of the most competitive races handicaps of Cheltenham week, takes place on the Friday of the fixture – that being Gold Cup Day itself.
The race, covering just over two miles, consistently draws a full field and is recognised as an outstanding premier handicap.
Daryl West, William Hill’s Head of Media and Sponsorship, said; “As William Hill celebrates over 90 years in the industry, we’re embracing our heritage and being part of horse racing’s biggest days is something we’ve done throughout our history. Racedays don’t come much bigger than Gold Cup Day, so we’re delighted to be a part of it and will be back again for the Cheltenham Festival in 2026.
“The County Hurdle is always a great betting heat and we’ve seen some fantastic hurdlers use it as a springboard to greatness. It’s a brilliant race for William Hill to showcase our commitment to proper prices for our customers and it’s a race that we’ve regularly offered extra places for each-way backers.”
Cheltenham Festival Preview Night
The Official Cheltenham Festival Preview has for many years provided thousands of the racing fans with valuable information in advance of the biggest four days in jump racing.
This year’s event was held on Thursday 5 March 2026 and was organised by William Hill.
Staged in The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse, the panel was made up of Sir AP McCoy, Barry Geraghty, Jane Mangan, Leonna Mayor and there was an appearance from the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer Gavin Cromwell.
