The Irish Times to Sponsor at Cheltenham Cheltenham yesterday announced that The Irish Times, Ireland's leading independent newspaper, is to sponsor at The Open next weekend, with The Irish Times Amateur Riders Handicap Steeple Chase opening the three-day meeting at 1.15pm on Friday, November 14. In an innovative partnership, the newspaper will work with Cheltenham on a joint programme of marketing activity primarily in Ireland that covers The Open and also The Festival in March. "Cheltenham is synonymous with the best of Jump racing in these islands and we're delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a leading organisation," said Paul Farrell, Commercial Director of The Irish Times. "The partnership provides a platform on which to build awareness of our coverage of the important horseracing industry. It also reflects our increasing commitment to the British market where our international edition continues to go from strength to strength." Peter McNeile, Director of Sponsorship of Cheltenham, commented: "We're very pleased to be working with The Irish Times. The paper is a key communication channel to customers in Ireland and indeed in the UK, and together we believe we can deliver added value to readers and spectators alike." The Irish Times Amateur Riders Handicap Steeple Chase will be televised live on Channel 4.
