Tote sponsor return of Connacht National The Connacht National is set to be reborn at Roscommon racecourse on June 12th after a sponsorship deal with Tote Ireland was announced today. Under the new deal the race will be called the “www.thetote.com Connacht National” promoting Tote Ireland’s online Irish and UK Tote pool betting website. It will serve as a trial race for the Tote sponsored Galway Plate. Mr. Robert McConn, Chairman of Roscommon Racecourse said, “Roscommon Race Committee is delighted that Tote Ireland has agreed to sponsor the Connacht National. "This is another top class race for Roscommon and a further example of the progress the racecourse is making. We look forward to a successful sponsorship with Tote Ireland with increased Tote turnover at Roscommon in 2011.” Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Dryden Geary, Marketing & PR Manager of Tote Ireland said: “On behalf of Tote Ireland, I am delighted to announce our sponsorship of the Connacht National at Roscommon. "All of the Tote’s profits are reinvested into Irish racing and it is thanks to the loyal support of our clients that the Tote can make a contribution to the industry in these challenging times. I would specifically like to thank racecourse manager Mr. Michael Finneran – the Connacht National at Roscommon was his idea.” The www.thetote.com Connacht National at Roscommon on June 12th is a 3 mile and half a furlong handicap chase aimed at horses targeting the www.thetote.com Galway Plate with horses rated 140 being set to carry 11st 10lb and those with higher ratings carrying the corresponding extra weight. The race will have a total value of €25,000 and entries will close Tuesday the 7th of June. The Tote will pay the Galway plate entry fee for the winner of this race should they compete in the Galway festival feature six weeks later on July 27th.
