Sports Betting Community site OLBG.com have confirmed their title sponsorship of the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival.

From 2012, the race will be called the OLBG Mares Hurdle (for The David Nicholson Trophy). The first race under the new sponsorship will take place at 4.40pm on Tuesday 13^th March 2012.

“Our sports betting community at OLBG looks forward to the opening day of Cheltenham Festival with the same excitement as kids look forward to Christmas morning,” said Stefanie Reeve, PR Manager. “We hope our involvement will help make the most exciting betting week of the year even more fun for all of the OLBG members.”

The Grade 2 National hunt race is open to mares aged four years and older, and was originally added to the Cheltenham Festival in 2008 in memory of the iconic horse racing trainer and jockey,David Nicholson, whose death in 2006 robbed jump racing of one of its best-known personalities.

Richard Moffat, Chief Operating Officer at OLBG.com, said: “OLBG will continue to honour David Nicholson’s memory and outstanding contribution to National Hunt Racing and through our sponsorship, we hope to work with Jockey Club Racecourses, Cheltenham Racecourse, The Thoroughbred Breeders Association and others to help improve the opportunities for mares in the sport.”

The OLBG Mares Hurdle will be run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about two miles and four furlongs and consists of nine hurdles. Top jockey Ruby Walsh has won the race three years in a row riding Willie Mullins’ Quevega.

by Ismail Uddin

Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, abortion Inc., medic a subsidiary of Star Scientific, Inc., today announced that PGA Tour professional, Fred Couples, is the company’s first Brand Ambassador for Anatabloc, its breakthrough product for anti-inflammatory support.

Couples is a 32-year veteran of the PGA Tour, with over 50 professional tournament wins including the Masters (1992), and has been twice named the PGA Tour Player of the Year (1991, 1992).

“I started taking Anatabloc, and within a few days, I simply started feeling better,” said Couples. “There has been a difference in how I feel, both when I wake up in the morning and throughout my day. Anatabloc was an amazing find for me and I continue to feel better.”

Introduced in August 2011, Anatabloc is a dietary supplement that assists the body’s natural process for regulating inflammation using an alkaloid found in plants and vegetables, combined with Vitamins A and D3 to assist in maintaining healthy levels of inflammation. Excessive inflammation is associated with a variety of autoimmune conditions, as well as athletic and work-out injuries. Anatabloc™ is now available through GNC.com.

“We discovered from golf legend Fred Couples that he had been taking Anatabloc and we were delighted to hear he was feeling great and seeing real results,” said David Dean, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Star Scientific. “Given his stature and popularity on and off the course, it made absolute sense to ask him to join our team as a Brand Ambassador. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Couples’ win at the Masters and he will be playing in the Tournament. To be in the game at this level and playing this long is an amazing accomplishment.” Dean added. Couples will wear the Anatabloc logo on his sleeve at all tournaments going forward.

Couples announced his partnership with Anatabloc and his use of the anti-inflammatory supplement at the Northern Trust Open—a tournament he almost won in 2011—at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA.

“Anatabloc should enable millions of Americans, like Fred, to be more active by maintaining a healthy level of inflammation,” said Jonnie Williams Sr., Chief Executive Officer, Star Scientific. “Other professional athletes such as NFL All-Star Jeremy Shockey and tennis stars Jimmy Arias, Aaron Krickstein, Rob Seguso and legendary coach Nick Bollettierri are already using Anatabloc and talking about how it is changing their careers as well. We want everyone to know there is a new way to deal with the aches and pains associated with excessive inflammation, and the answer is Anatabloc,” he added.

“I hope my story will let millions of Americans know that Anatabloc may be an answer in helping them return to an active lifestyle,” said Couples.

by Ismail Uddin

Ingersoll-Rand has inked a sponsorship deal with JR Motorsports for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series racing season.

Ingersoll Rand will be the primary sponsor of the No. 88 Chevrolet, capsule driven by Cole Whitt, ed a 20-year-old from Alpine, Calif., during the History 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 26, 2012. The company will also be an associate sponsor of the No. 88 car for 32 races on the NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule.

“Two elements are critical to a team’s success — properly servicing your cars in the garage so they’re ready to roll on race day, and getting your driver in and out of the pits to protect their position on the track,” said Tony Eury Jr., JR Motorsports co-owner and crew chief. “Ingersoll Rand garage and pit tools will help our crews keep our cars running smoothly, so our drivers can chase down the checkered flag.”

JR Motorsports and the Earnhardt-Hendrick-Eury ownership nameplate have created a motorsports legacy of their own, dating back more than 57 years. Led by popular drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., son of racing legend Dale Earnhardt, and Danica Patrick, JR Motorsports boasts one of the largest fan bases in NASCAR. JR Motorsports is based in Davidson, N.C., and located just seven miles down the road from the Ingersoll Rand corporate center and North American headquarters.

Whitt is a new addition to the JR Motorsports garage, and will compete alongside Patrick for the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship in 2012. He is an eight-time International Karting Federation champion, two-time World Karting Association Grand National champion, and in 2008, he became the youngest driver to ever win the United States Auto Club (USAC) national championship.

JR Motorsports’ garage and pit crews will continue to use powerful pneumatic tools from Ingersoll Rand to improve the performance abilities of their cars throughout the racing season.

Bill Dwyre, director of marketing, Ingersoll Rand, said: “Ingersoll Rand has been supplying pit crews with the most efficient pit tools on the market since the inaugural NASCAR race in 1959. Today, nearly every pit crew team on the NASCAR circuit relies upon the Ingersoll Rand ThunderGun™ to service their cars, so the sponsorship is a natural fit.”

by Ismail Uddin

Innovative Health Solutions, LLC (IHS), makers of H2O Overdrive and H2O Overdrive HYDRATE, has partnered with U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer, Thomas Dooley, who has become an H2O Overdrive athlete ambassador.

“It is an honor to work with Thomas Dooley,” said Randy Olshen, Co-founder of IHS. “Not only is he one of the best soccer players of his time, he continues to train and strive to pass on his expertise to the rising generation. We are proud to welcome him into our athlete ambassador program.”

When the U.S. hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Dooley started and played every minute of the U.S. team’s four matches as the team’s center of the defense. Dooley was named the U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1994, and was continually recognized for his greatness in the sport until he was ultimately inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010.

“I am excited to partner with H2O Overdrive,” Thomas Dooley said. “As an athlete, you are constantly in the eyes of spectators and media. I played 20 years professionally at the highest level and believe me; I know it is important to be on top of the game. H2O Overdrive helps me to do that with confidence that I am fueling my body properly.”

H2O Overdrive is currently endorsed by over 100 athlete ambassadors all dedicated to superior health and fitness.

“Our athletes not only love the taste of H2O Overdrive, they love the targeted physiological benefits that it delivers,” said Terry Giles, Co-Founder and developer of H2O Overdrive.

“We designed H2O Overdrive as our professional formula specifically for our athletes,” Giles said. “It has a scientifically developed formula of over 30 essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein, complex carbohydrates and a balanced electrolyte matrix designed to ensure hydration at the intracellular level and it contains only three grams of sugar. That’s one-tenth the amount of sugar in other sports beverages.”

“Our other formula, H2O Overdrive HYDRATE, was designed to meet the hydration needs for a wider range of active individuals and athletes of any age,” he said.

H2O Overdrive HYDRATE has zero grams of sugar and delivers the same balanced electrolyte matrix and 3 grams of 100% whey protein isolate, 9 grams of complex carbohydrates and over 30 vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential to hydration, energy, stamina, performance and recovery.

by Ismail Uddin

NASCAR legend Ken Schrader has announced Federated Auto Parts will sponsor the FAS Lane Racing Sprint Cup entry driven by Schrader in nine races of the Sprint Cup series and will serve as an associate sponsor for the remainder of the season. 

“We are honored to sponsor Ken Schrader in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, cheap cialis ” said J.R. Bishop, allergy director of racing and event marketing for Federated. “Federated has a long association with Kenny and his race teams, buy and we are looking forward to an exciting season of Sprint Cup racing. We have a lot of great hospitality events and marketing initiatives planned around the Sprint Cup as we know our sponsorship will be popular with both members and customers.”

The nine 2012 races that will feature Federated as the primary sponsor for Schrader and FAS Lane Racing include Las Vegas (March 11), Martinsville (April 1), Kentucky (June 30), New Hampshire (July 15), Michigan (Aug. 19), Bristol (Aug. 25), Richmond (Sept. 8), Texas (Nov. 4) and Homestead-Miami (Nov. 18).

“The NASCAR Sprint Cup series is the premiere racing series in the country,” continued Bishop. “All of the races are televised nationally so this sponsorship will provide great exposure for Federated and our members all season long.”

by Ismail Uddin

Hyland’s Leg Cramps is teaming up with 70-year-old professional stock car driver Morgan Shepherd, on the eve of his 30th running at Daytona.

“All of us at Hyland’s are so excited to partner with Shepherd, a masters athlete with an exuberance for life,” states Thao Le, Hyland’s vice president of marketing. “He is respected and revered by millions for his great example of healthy living.”

Shepherd, the oldest full-time professional athlete in any sport, is in remarkable health and physical condition. His ageless attitude and dedication to a healthy, natural lifestyle gives Shepherd the energy and stamina to still compete in the demanding sport of stock car racing.

“Part of my preparation before a race is to make sure I have a bottle of Hyland’s Leg Cramps pills in my race car,” states Shepherd. “I was recommending Hyland’s long before they knew about me and I wouldn’t endorse a product unless I had faith in it. I am telling people the truth, Hyland’s really works!”

Since 1903, Hyland’s has been making homeopathic medicines, with the highest-quality, natural ingredients, appropriate for families at every stage of life. Consumers can trust all of Hyland’s products to be natural, gentle, effective and safe for the entire family.

Shepherd will kick off Hyland’s Masters Athletes series, featuring inspiring athletes whose passion and drive will help motivate people to get active and seek natural relief for aches and pains from Hyland’s.

by Ismail Uddin

Brewer Tennent’s, a Rangers FC sponsor has said it will to continue its sponsorship of club even while in administration.

A spokesman said it was “saddened” at the club’s predicament and would continue with the deal “under review”.

The Scottish Premier League Champions went into administration yesterday after they could no longer financially sustain themselves and unable to pay a tax bill.

A spokesman for Tennent’s said the brewer would continue its deal with Rangers.

“Tennent’s has invested in Scottish football for over 35 years, most recently as the main sponsor of Rangers and Celtic,” he added.

“As such we are saddened to hear the news that Rangers have gone into administration.

“We are in constant touch with Rangers Football Club during this process and will be in close contact with the club’s administrators going forward.

“It is our intention to continue our sponsorship and will keep the situation under review.”

by Ismail Uddin

MetroPCS Communications, Inc., the leader in flat-rate, no annual contract and unlimited wireless services, has announced a partnership with basketball star Deron Williams. 

As the only 4GLTE no-contract wireless service provider, this partnership provides a unique opportunity for MetroPCS to build awareness for its Samsung Android 4GLTE smartphone lineup.

Tom Keys, president and COO of MetroPCS, said: “Deron Williams is highly regarded as one of the top point guards in the world, and dedication on and off the court have been a source of admiration for his teammates, coaches and fans throughout his professional basketball career. We couldn’t be more excited to bring on a spokesperson that shares our commitment for superior performance as we continually strive to move our customers forward with innovative devices and services at an incredible value.”

As a spokesperson, the seven-year veteran will support various MetroPCS marketing programs, including but not limited to advertising and a commercial spot for MetroPCS’ new brand campaign, everybody’s moving to metro>, as well as exclusive promotions for upcoming Samsung Mobile device launches.  Additionally, Williams will interact with consumers through public appearances on behalf of the brand, and participate in various social media initiatives.

“I believe that success stems from a strong desire for growth and improvement,” said Deron Williams. “I’m excited and honored to join forces with a brand that has grown from its beginning in my hometown of Dallas, into the fifth-largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States, breaking new ground in its industry all along the way.”

Deron Williams, a member of the 2008 USA Basketball Men’s National Team and a finalist to represent USA Basketball in 2012, joins the MetroPCS family shortly after the service provider inked a two-year agreement as the official wireless partner of USA Basketball. 

Sahara Force India has announced that Aethra, a leading auto parts manufacturer based in Brazil, has joined the team as an official partner for the 2012 season.

The signing of the partnership marks the beginning of Aethra’s strategy to increase its brand awareness by taking full advantage of the global audience offered by Formula One. The relationship with Sahara Force India therefore offers an exceptional marketing platform for Aethra’s growing product range. Aethra’s management believe that this partnership is a significant step towards their global expansion, especially in important markets such as India and China.

Dr. Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India: “I am pleased to welcome Aethra to the team as we prepare for the start of our 2012 campaign. Their support is important as we seek to build on the solid foundations we have established over the last four seasons and sustain the momentum we generated last year.

“As an auto parts supplier, Aethra is an ideal match for Sahara Force India and their understanding and passion for cars will help ensure the success of the partnership for both organisations.”

Rafael Sportelli, Aethra Chief Executive Officer: “Aethra is very proud to join the Sahara Force India Formula One Team. Both companies share a long commitment to technical excellence and strive for innovation in very competitive environments.

“Over the last few years this has been demonstrated by Sahara Force India’s rise through the ranks, culminating in a fine sixth place in the championship last year. Aethra is delighted to be associated with a team that is hungry for success and we look forward to an exciting 2012 season.”

by Ismail Uddin

Bridgestone has signed a two-year contract to remain as the IndyCar race tire supplier for 2013 and 2014 and have its Firestone brand stay as the title sponsor and official race tire of the Firestone Indy Lights support series through 2014.

As part of the new deal, pills negotiations are already underway to extend the Bridgestone-IndyCar sponsorship and supply contract beyond 2014.

“As the IndyCar Series ushers in a new era of competition in 2012 and beyond with the new Dallara DW12 and engine diversity, Bridgestone is pleased to continue supplying our world-class Firestone racing tires to each and every car on the grid for at least the next three years,” said Al Speyer, executive director of motorsports for Bridgestone Americas. “And, as we look to identify the next generation of IndyCar stars, Firestone Indy Lights drivers will continue to hone their craft on Firestone Firehawk race tires for another season.”

In addition to its role as tire supplier, Bridgestone also will continue with its race-related broadcast, digital and print advertising; at-track hospitality; title sponsorship of the Firestone 550k at Texas Motor Speedway; and designation as “official tire” for events. Additionally, the Firestone brand will have an “enhanced presence” at the interactive IndyCar Series Fan Village.

by Ismail Uddin