Hennessy ends Gold Cup association

Hennessy is to end its 60-year association with Newbury's feature handicap chase.

Since its inauguration in 1957, the Hennessy Gold Cup has been won by some of the biggest names in National Hunt, including Arkle, One Man, Denman, Bob's Worth and Many Clouds.

It had been speculated that Hennessy would withdraw its support for the race following Native River's victory last month and the company has confirmed it will no longer sponsor the famous handicap.

"Hennessy has enjoyed 60 wonderful years of sponsoring The Hennessy Gold Cup. Over the decades, the race has been won by many extraordinary and courageous horses, jockeys and trainers," Jo Thornton, managing director of Moet Hennessy UK confirmed.

"We are enormously grateful to the directors and team at Newbury, who have always delivered racing of the highest quality, at one of the UK's most iconic racecourses. Hennessy are proud to have worked with Newbury in creating such an important and enjoyable day in the racing calendar. We wish them every continued success."

Dominic Burke, chairman of Newbury, has paid tribute to Hennessy for their support over the last 60 years.

"We are enormously grateful to several generations of the Hennessy family and the company's management team for their wonderful support of such a special event, but everything comes to an end at some point," he said.

"It is fitting that the sponsorship is drawing to a close after such a thrilling race to mark the 60th Hennessy Gold Cup as the highlight of two wonderful days of top class jump racing last month."

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