Irish cider brands, Magners and Bulmers, will sponsor the Cheltenham Gold Cup and be presenting partners of The Festival, under a four year agreement from March 2019.

The Cheltenham Festival is the most prestigious jump racing event in Europe and one of the highest profile UK and Irish sporting and social occasions. It attracts around 260,000 race-goers over four days, with a third travelling from Ireland, and is watched by millions of horse racing fans across the world on TV and online.

Magners and Bulmers are part of C&C Group plc, a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded cider, beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks. The agreement means C&C will be able to promote its premium Irish cider brands to new and existing consumers in Ireland, the UK and around the world.

From March 2019, the Cheltenham Gold Cup will be known as the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup in the UK and internationally, and as the Bulmers Cheltenham Gold Cup to audiences in the Republic of Ireland.

The Festival will also be referred to as The Festival, presented by Magners in the UK and internationally, and as The Festival, presented by Bulmers in the Republic of Ireland.

Stephen Glancey, C&C Group plc CEO, said: "Given the Cheltenham Gold Cup's huge popularity in both the UK and Ireland, this sponsorship is a natural fit for our business. We believe The Festival's appeal will continue to grow and by association expand the audience of our two premium Irish ciders."