Punchestown Unveils Sporting Index As New Sponsor In Ireland Sporting Index, the world leaders in sports spread betting, are to sponsor horse racing in Ireland for the first time. The Sporting Index PP Hogan Memorial Cross Country Steeplechase will take place at Punchestown on Sunday February 4th. 'It is great to bring a new sponsor into Irish racing,' said Punchestown General Manager Dick O´Sullivan, 'particularly one as committed to Cross Country racing as Sporting Index. Our history with this exciting part of the sport dates back to 1827 and of course Sporting Index were the inaugural sponsors of Cross Country Steeplechasing at Cheltenham'. Sporting Index have supported the Cheltenham Open Meeting Cross Country chase since 1995, the December Cross Country race since 1998, and the Festival race which was introduced two years ago.' Last year the Philip Rothwell trained Native Jack landed both the Punchestown and Cheltenham Festival races. Irish trained runners have had spectacular success in the Cross Country races at Cheltenham, particularly Enda Bolger's Spotthedifference. Bolger welcomed news of Sporting Index´s support for the Irish race. 'Sporting Index has brought Cross Country racing to a whole new level and it is great to welcome them to Ireland for the first time. I would hope to aim Headsontheground and Lonesome Day for the Sporting Index PP Hogan Memorial Cross Country Steeplechase.' Wally Pyrah, PR Director of Sporting Index whose company have over 70% of the UK sports spread betting market commented 'This race sponsorship signifies the start of Sporting Index's drive into the Irish market. It is a valuable addition to our Cross Country commitment, and it is great to be coming to it´s spiritual home.' We believe that Ireland offers huge potential in sports spread betting, and we plan to launch a tailored Irish service in time for the Cheltenham Festival.'
