Haldon Gold Cup attracts smart technology sponsor
Exeter Racecourse has announced that VIX Technology is the new sponsor of the Haldon Gold Cup, the racecourse’s richest race which takes place on Tuesday, November 4.
VIX Technology is an international provider of business critical payment systems, services and analytics. They are at the forefront of emerging smart and contactless pay technology and specialise in improving user experiences. They handle billions of transactions a year and touch the lives of passengers and communities in over 200 cities and regions around the world.
Bryan Simms, Managing Director VIX UK, said: “VIX Technology is proud to sponsor Devon and Cornwall's premier horse race and we look forward to working alongside Exeter racecourse and The Jockey Club in the future.
The VIX Technology Haldon Gold Cup is regarded as the first major contest over two miles in the jump racing calendar and is considered a stepping stone to the world’s most prestigious race over this distance – the Queen Mother Champion Chase which takes place at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
The two-mile race is fast, furious and spectacular with some of the country’s top racehorses battling it out against each other to secure the historic trophy and a share of the ￡62,500 prize money.
Many famous racehorses have run in the race in the past including Kauto Star, Edredon Bleu, Best Mate, Viking Flagship, Cue Card and Somersby.
This year trainer Gary Moore has hinted that the country’s current champion two mile chaser, Sire De Grugy, may be given an entry in the race.
Cue Card is also on course to make his seasonal appearance with Daryl Jacob on board. The Colin Tizzard-trained eight-year-old won the 2012 renewal in impressive style and later that season was victorious in the Betfair Ascot Chase and the Ryanair at the Cheltenham Festival.
Also likely to run in the Paul Nicholls-trained Dodging Bullets, who has won three Grade 2 races and ran a blinder in the Arkle in March, beaten just five lengths into fourth.
Balder Succes is another possible runner with his trainer Alan King saying the grade one winner is likely to stay at two miles this season.
General manager Tim Darby said: “We are delighted that VIX Technolgy is the new sponsor of the Haldon Gold Cup which is the county’s most prestigious race. It is shaping up to be a cracking renewal. It’s a terrific social occasion with a wonderful atmosphere and has to be considered as one the best sporting events Devon has to offer.”
The first of seven races comes under starters’ orders at 1.20pm with the gates open two hours prior to this. A free bus service to the racecourse is available from Exeter St David’s at 11.45am and the Bus and Coach Station at 12 noon, returning half an hour after the last race.
Tickets are available from ￡15 if pre-booked online and hospitality packages are available with details at www.exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk
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