John Smith´s Extends National Sponsorship Until 2010

It was announced today that Scottish & Newcastle (owner of John Smith´s) has extended its current agreement to sponsor the world´s greatest steeple chase until 2010.

Charles Barnett, Managing Director of Aintree Racecourse said: 'This is tremendous news for The National and jump racing as a whole. The original contract with John Smith´s included the 2005, 2006 and 2007 meetings. This has now been extended until the 2010 renewal with an option for a further three years.'

For John Smith´s, Head of Public Relations and Sponsorship, Nigel Pollard said: 'We entered our agreement in 2004 with great expectations; and we have been more than delighted with the results achieved so far. There was no doubt in our minds that a three year extension was the right move for John Smith´s and that this new agreement will enable both parties to further develop the world´s greatest steeplechase. An important part of this decision was the warmth, co-operation and business-like approach we have experienced with the team at Aintree - a vital ingredient in making this sponsorship work so well for the UK´s favourite Ale.'

Today´s announcement coincided with Aintree´s traditional media stable visit to the previous National winning stable.

At Martin Brassil´s Co. Kildare stables, the Trainer reported last year´s winner to be in fine fettle. 'The plan is to run Numbersixvalverde over hurdles at Leopardstown over the Christmas period. We may then consider the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup in mid February, again at Leopardstown, and then perhaps another outing over hurdles before Aintree.'

Owner Bernard Carroll confirmed that he and his family were looking forward to returning to Aintree for another crack at the big one next April. 'Owners dream of a National winner and when you are lucky enough to experience it, you realise nothing could ever have prepared you for the exhilaration and excitement, it is unbelievable.'