William Hill named title sponsor of Naas Spring Festivals Trials Day

William Hill has become title sponsor of the Spring Festivals Trials Day at Naas Racecourse, taking place on 23 February 2025, as part of the bookmaker’s ongoing support for Irish horse racing.

Under the new agreement, William Hill’s branding will feature across four races on the card: the Grade 3 William Hill Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle, the William Hill Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase, the William Hill Handicap Hurdle and the William Hill (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

The fixture has a track record of producing horses that go on to succeed at major spring festivals. Last season’s Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle was won by Bottler’secret, trained by Gavin Cromwell, who later took a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse and finished second in Grade 1 company at Punchestown. Past winners of the Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase include Cheltenham Festival winner Limerick Lace and Home By The Lee, now a Grade 1 performer over hurdles. The Pro/Am Flat Race has previously been won by Carefully Selected, Gerri Colombe, Stellar Story and William Munny.

Building on existing Irish ties

The Naas sponsorship adds to William Hill’s existing commitments in Irish racing, which include backing for Dundalk Stadium’s season and the William Hill Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival. The bookmaker also works with ambassadors Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue.

Aidan McGarry, manager of Naas Racecourse, said the track was pleased to partner with William Hill on one of its flagship fixtures, describing Naas as a breeding ground for future champions and noting that the timing of the meeting suits horses being prepared for spring festival targets including Cheltenham, Punchestown, Fairyhouse and Aintree.

Andrew McCleave, head of marketing for William Hill Ireland, said the raceday had proven a springboard for emerging talent in recent seasons and called the new tie-up a strong fit alongside the firm’s other Irish racing commitments.