Sponsorship Fillip For Charlie Hall Bet365 will continue to support the Charlie Hall Chase for a further three years, up to and including the 2008 renewal. The online bookmaker first sponsored the Grade Two contest in 2003 when the Howard Johnson-trained Ballybough Rasher caused a 40-1 shock with a defeat of favourite Marlborough. Saturday´s Charlie Hall Chase is worth #75,000 and has attracted a suitably high-class entry including last year´s winner Grey Abbey, Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Take The Stand, Kingscliff, Ollie Magern and Keen Leader. Bet365 chief executive John Coates said: 'We are thrilled with the success of the first two years of our sponsorship. 'It was a joy to see Grey Abbey win the Charlie Hall Chase last year and very satisfying to watch him emerge as the best staying chaser in Britain. 'This season´s race looks like being our best yet and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Wetherby over the next three years.' Chief executive of Wetherby racecourse James Sanderson added: 'We are delighted that bet365 is extending its commitment to the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, which is part of the BHB´s Order of Merit. 'Bet365´s continued support will ensure that the race maintains its standing as a prestigious early season prize for the country´s leading chasers.' (C) PA Sport
