Powers to end National sponsorship

The 2010 running of the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday 5th April will be the last to carry the title sponsorship of Powers Whiskey.

The race has been sponsored by Powers Whiskey since 2000 and the Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Group has been associated with the race since 1970.

The Group will continue to sponsor the Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup on Easter Sunday which is the longest running sponsorship in Irish racing having began in 1960.

Fairyhouse General Manager Caroline Gray said: - “We would like to thank Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard for the phenomenal sponsorship of the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National.

"Their 40 year commitment and support has ensured the Irish Grand National has grown into the event it is today. We are looking forward to a successful final year and are delighted to continue our relationship and long association with Irish Distillers through the Powers Gold Cup."

"The Irish Grand National is truly established as one of the greatest occasions in the Irish sporting calendar.

"Steeped in tradition and with the highest TV audience figure of any horse race in Ireland, the Irish Grand National is a unique sponsorship opportunity.

"We are going to the market with this property shortly and are confident we will find an appropriate brand to take over the reins of this iconic race and make it their own.”

Emma Donnellan, Brands Director, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard said: - “The Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National has been one of the most successful Irish sponsorships of the past decade.

"It was a difficult decision to call an end to such a partnership however our brand priorities have changed and so we feel the time has come.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to Fairyhouse for being such supportive partners throughout this sponsorship. We intend to fully support the 2010 race and look forward to a wonderful finale on the 5th April 2010.

"We are delighted that we have the opportunity to continue our long standing association with the Powers Gold Cup. The Irish Grand National is the jewel in the sports sponsorship crown and is an ideal opportunity for an international brand looking to grow within this space.”