William Hill are the new title sponsor on the Punchestown Festival's opening day, featuring the €250,000 William Hill Champion Chase, as part of a major three-year deal.

The Grade 1 event has been won in the past by the likes of Moscow Flyer, Sizing Europe and Un De Sceaux, while Sprinter Sacre beat Sizing Europe in front of a record opening day Festival attendance in 2013.

William Hill Ambassador, Sir AP McCoy, said: "I loved coming across to Punchestown. It is a brilliant meeting and I always enjoyed taking on the best of the Irish horses at one of Ireland's feature festivals. As an ambassador for William Hill, I'm delighted that they will be sponsors of the Champion Chase for the next three years. It's an extremely exciting partnership."

Conor O'Neill, Punchestown CEO, welcomed the announcement saying: "William Hill have shown their commitment to both Punchestown and Irish racing with this major three-year deal. The William Hill Champion Chase is a jewel in the crown of the racing calendar.

"You only have to look at the illustrious roll of honour to see the quality of the race, so it is befitting to have such a high profile and reputable brand as William Hill sponsoring. This is year one, and we look forward to working with the William Hill team to develop the partnership further as crowds return to Punchestown for future festivals."

Entries for all the Grade 1 races at this year's Festival, which runs from Tuesday April 27 to Saturday May 1, will be unveiled later today.