Backing the World’s Greatest Steeplechase: Grand National Sponsors

The Grand National is one of the most prestigious and iconic horse racing events in the world, held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. Offering £1,000,000 in total prize money in 2023, the race is the richest jumps contest on the European calendar. A stamina-sapping contest run over 4m21/2f, the race is also the most popular event of the season with punters – such as those assessing the best new betting sites, as described in this BetMGM Review.

As with so many major sporting events, sponsors play a significant role in making the event possible and ensuring its success. Given the high profile and immense popularity of Aintree’s crown jewel, any company lending the race their support will invariably make the Sports sponsorship news. Here, we present a list of the companies who have backed the event, which captures the imagination of a nation and is watched by an estimated 600 million viewers across 140 nations.

1975-1977: The News Of The World – The News of the World was a now-defunct British tabloid newspaper. It was published from 1843 to 2011, known for sensational stories, celebrity gossip, and scandalous content. It was closed down amid a phone hacking scandal in 2011, which led to the arrest and conviction of several of its employees, including its editor, Rebekah Brooks.

1978 and 1980-1983: The Sun – The Sun is a British tabloid newspaper founded in 1964. Known for sensationalism and a mix of news, celebrity gossip, and sports coverage, it has a large readership. Owned by News Group Newspapers, it is one of the most widely read newspapers in the United Kingdom.

1979: Colt Cars – Colt Cars was a former subsidiary of Mitsubishi Motors, producing compact and subcompact cars. The Colt name was used for various models, including the Colt Mirage and Colt Lancer. These vehicles were known for their small size, fuel efficiency, and practicality. However, Colt Cars production ceased in the early 2000s.

1984-1991: Seagram – Seagram’s Distillery, once owned by the Seagram Company, was a prominent Canadian distillery famous for its production of whiskey, including Crown Royal. It operated in Waterloo, Ontario, until its closure in 1992. Seagram’s brands are now part of other companies, but its legacy in the spirits industry endures. In a coincidental twist of fate, the 1991 Grand National was won by a horse names Seagram.

1992-2004: Martell – Martell is a renowned French cognac producer with a rich history dating back to 1715. Known for its premium and exquisite cognac blends, Martell offers a wide range of products, from VS to XO, and has established itself as a symbol of luxury and tradition in the world of spirits.

2005-2012: John Smiths – John Smith’s is a popular English beer brand known for its classic, easy-drinking, and amber ale, John Smith’s Bitter. Founded in Tadcaster in 1758, it’s part of the Heineken Group. The beer has a smooth, malty flavour and is often enjoyed in British pubs, making it a familiar choice for many beer enthusiasts.

2013-2016: Crabbies – Crabbie’s is a well-known brand that produces alcoholic beverages, particularly famous for its ginger beer. Founded in 1801 in Edinburgh, Scotland, the company has a history of creating unique and refreshing ginger-flavored drinks. Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer is a popular choice, offering a blend of spicy and sweet flavours, often served chilled.

2017-Present: Randox – Randox is a global diagnostics company headquartered in Northern Ireland, specializing in medical testing and diagnostic products. They produce a wide range of diagnostic reagents, instruments, and testing kits used in healthcare and research settings. Randox’s innovations play a crucial role in diagnostics, contributing to improved patient care and medical research worldwide.