Ryanair Sponsor World Hurdle

Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that Ryanair will sponsor next month's World Hurdle.

The Irish Airline takes over from Ladbrokes, which sponsored the race since 2005 but is currently not an Authorised Betting Partner within British racing.

Michael O'Leary, Chief Executive of Ryanair, said: "We are happy to step in to add the World Hurdle to our day's sponsorship, alongside the Ryanair Chase, and remain wholly supportive of The Jockey Club's stance with regard to Authorised Betting Partners which has led to this race becoming available for sponsorship this year."

The Ryanair sponsorship of the World Hurdle is for one year only.