John Smith’s extends Grand National sponsorship

Brewer Scottish & Newcastle is to continue its sponsorship of the Grand National for a further three years when the current agreement expires in 2010.

Grand National
Grand National campaign

The race has been sponsored by the John Smith’s brand since 2005 and the deal will now continue until 2013 – with the option of a further three-year extension.

The brand has also unveiled a new campaign that gives drinkers the chance to own a stake in “the people’s racehorse” – who goes by the name of Smithy the Horse.

From January people who buy John Smith’s will be able to register online for a stake in the three-year-old chestnut gelding, who was unveiled at Aintree at the weekend. Trainer Donald McCain says: “He has shown enough to convince us that he has the potential to become a decent horse.”

The campaign, created by agency Space, also offers drinkers the chance to win trips to race meetings and stable tours.

John Smith’s is horse racing’s biggest commercial sponsor, and backs races at more than 30 courses.