The Jockey Club offers £1 million to win its 2017/18 ‘Chase Triple Crown’

Jockey Club Racecourses today announced it will offer a £1 million bonus for winning its Chase Triple Crown in the 2017/18 Jumps season.

The cash prize will be awarded to connections of a horse winning the three elite Grade 1 races that make up the Chase Triple Crown at its courses: the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park in November, the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day and the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup on the final day of The Festival next March.

Paid over-and-above Grade 1 prize money, it was initially introduced as an incentive for the 2015/16 Jumps season in memory of the late Kauto Star – the only horse to have won the Chase Triple Crown since the Betfair Chase was first run in 2005.

The £1 million bonus then returned for last season and, based on demand, it will now be offered for a third successive season by Jockey Club Racecourses, the UK’s leading racecourse group which stages 85% of Grade 1 Jump racing in Britain and is governed by Royal Charter to reinvest all its profits back into the sport.

Colin Tizzard’s Cue Card came agonisingly close to winning the bonus two seasons ago but, after winning the first two Grade 1 contests, fell just three fences from home when disputing the lead in a Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup eventually won by Don Cossack.

Following consultation with a range of horsemen and extra publicity for Jump racing as a result of the bonus being offered, the initiative returned for the 2016/17 Jumps season.

Cue Card was again successful in the Betfair Chase but with wins for Thistlecrack in the 32Red King George VI Chase and Sizing John in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup there was no bonus winner.

The seven figure sum would be split between connections, with 65% going to the winning owners, 15% to the trainer, 10% to stable staff at the winning yard and 10% to the jockey, split a third per race if different jockeys ride the horse.

Paul Fisher, Chief Executive of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “Since we introduced the bonus in 2015/16 it has really caught the public’s imagination. Cue Card coming so close two years ago helped grow the interest levels in not only these three races but Jumps racing across the board.

“Last year was exactly the same and for trainers like Jessica Harrington to be saying they are specifically targeting the Chase Triple Crown this season is fantastic. To see a horse prove itself as the best staying chaser by winning all three of these races and the £1 million bonus would be superb for our sport.”

Fisher also stressed the bonus would again be insured, adding: “As has been the case over the past two years we have used some of our marketing budgets for the three races to insure the bonus for a modest sum for the 2017/18 season. Jockey Club Racecourses will this year contribute a record breaking £22.9 million to prize money and we continue to reinvest every penny we make in profit back into British racing.”

Amazon Prime Video to deliver ‘Next Gen’ ATP Finals coverage

ATP and ATP Media have announce Amazon Prime Video as an official streaming partner of the ATP World Tour. The new deal covers the worldwide distribution of the Next Gen ATP Finals through Amazon Prime Video.

Starting in 2017, Amazon will have worldwide OTT rights (excluding China), and the full exclusive rights in the U.S., to distribute the Next Gen ATP Finals, outside of ATP’s OTT channel, Tennis TV.

This new event, held in partnership with the Italian Tennis Federation and the Italian National Olympic Committee, takes place from 7-11 November in Milan and will showcase the very best men’s tennis players aged 21-and-Under, as well as introducing many new innovations to the game.

Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman & President, said: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we’re doing with the Next Gen ATP Finals, and the way in which we present and broadcast the event is central to that.

“Our agreement with Amazon will give this year’s inaugural tournament in Milan an international reach in a digital space that is only becoming increasingly important in the world of sport & entertainment.”

Greg Hart, Vice President of Amazon Video, added: “We know live sports attracts a passionate fan base, many of whom are Prime members. We are thrilled ATP has awarded distribution rights to Amazon, showing their commitment to streaming live sports.”

Stuart Watts, COO ATP Media, said: “The synergies between a global brand such as Amazon and the future of our sport being showcased at the Next Gen ATP Finals are clear for all to see. This is an exciting deal that will not only bring great coverage for the Next Gen ATP Finals but will also offer a huge boost to the global reach of tennis.”

Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium to host 2019 UEFA Champions League final

Atletico Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano has been chosen to host the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.

Built on the site of the former Estadio Olímpico de Madrid in the Spanish capital, the stadium has a capacity of 68,000.

The decision was taken at Wednesday’s UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Nyon.

The Metropolitano Stadium hosted its first game on Saturday as Atletico beat LaLiga rivals Malaga 1-0 courtesy of Antoine Griezmann’s winner.

The 2018 final will take place on 26 May at Kyiv’s NSK Olimpiyskyi Stadium.

Meanwhile, the 2019 Europa League final will be held at Baku’s Olympic Stadium and the 2019 UEFA Super Cup will be staged at Beşiktaş Stadium, Istanbul.

Budapest’s Ferencváros Stadium will play host to the 2019 UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

FIFA unveil official slogan and emblem of Women’s World Cup France 2019

FIFA has unveiled the Official Slogan and Emblem of the Women’s World Cup France 2019.

Light and illumination are themes key to the identity of the tournament and are captured within the slogan ‘Dare To Shine’. The phrase reflects the changing nature of football and the evolution of the women’s game.

The tournament will take place from 7 June to July 2019 with venues in Grenoble, Le Havre, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice, Paris, Reims, Rennes and Valenciennes all set to play host to fixtures.

Speaking at the launch event the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said: “Women’s football has entered a bright new era and we are very much looking forward to seeing a sensational FIFA Women’s World Cup take place in France in 2019.

“The Official Slogan and Official Emblem of the competition are a perfect mix of history, style and innovation, which France is famous for, and I am certain that the commitment and dedication of the LOC and host cities around the country will make this tournament unique.”

FFF President, Noël Le Graët, added: “In less than two years’ time, France will, for the first time in its history, host the FIFA Women’s World Cup. We are proud and honoured to be doing so, as it reflects our firm commitment to nurture women’s football and its development, a goal that the French Football Association has been pursuing through the National Plan for the Promotion of Women’s Football, which it launched six years ago.

“This, the eighth FIFA Women’s World Cup, will be a landmark occasion. Its success as a sporting event that captures the public imagination hinges on support from a number of stakeholders: our cities, regions, leagues, districts, amateur clubs and professional clubs and the people of France.

“The next FIFA Women’s World Cup will provide a springboard for France’s women’s team. Our Bleues must Dare to Shine, which I am sure they will. Make no mistake; we will be doing all we can.”

Nottingham Forest announce iPro Sport as Official Hydration Partner

Championship club Nottingham Forest has announced iPro Sport as its Official Hydration Partner.

iPro Sport has signed a two-year deal to supply the first team and academy players with their hydration product to aid fast rehydration on matchdays and in training.

Nottingham Forest Chief Commercial Officer, David Cook, said: “Nottingham Forest are delighted to welcome iPro Sport to the club’s stable of partners. They join us as the very first Official Hydration Partner of the club.

“We are excited to work with the brand over the next two years both on and off-field to deliver great results for players and fans.”

iPro Sport Commercial Director, Sophie Christy, addd: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Championship side Nottingham Forest which further demonstrates our commitment to provide a range of superior hydration products for player use, supporting their need for a healthy isotonic sports drink to aid optimal performance in training and on matchdays.”

The isotonic sports drink company also has deals with the Football Association of Ireland, football teams across the Championship, League One and League Two, plus international teams within rugby, cricket, netball, basketball, cycling and running associations.

Fujitsu extends Australian Open golf partnership

Japanese technology company Fujitsu has agreed a new three-year sponsorship deal with the Australian Open golf tournament.

The two companies will be partners until at least 2020, equating to a 13-year association in total.

The Australian Open is a flagship tournament on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia and is currently planning for its 102nd edition in Sydney from 23-26 November.

Golf Australia, chief executive Stephen Pitt, said: “The Open has continued to build its on-course reputation with golfers and fans around the world,” Pitt said.

“This is, in part, because of the great partners we have grown with and there have been none better than Fujitsu. We’ve built on continuity, ongoing growth and value for money and we’re thrilled that Fujitsu has benefited from that and continues to offer us their support in return.”

Chief executive officer of Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand, Mike Foster, added: “The Australian Open is one of the highest-profile sporting events on the Australian calendar.

“Our sponsorship resonates well with our customer base of senior executives from Australian enterprise and government organisations. We are pleased to be able to continue our strong relationship.”

International Paralympic Committee postpones events following Mexico City earthquake

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has today postponed its World Championships in powerlifting and swimming following the earthquake in Mexico City.

The decision was taken following an assessment of the current situation and after close liaison with the Local Organising Committee and the City of Mexico government.

The 2017 Para Sport Festival, incorporating both championships, was originally scheduled to run from 30 September to 6 October in the Mexican capital.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “Following the terrible earthquake our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the people of Mexico at this time. The tragic loss of life and devastation caused is heart breaking to see and our deepest sympathies are with all those involved.

“As a result of this tragedy, we are in full agreement that the immediate focus of the Mexican authorities should be on prioritising recovery and rebuilding for the Mexican people and not organising two major international sport events.

“Therefore, we have agreed with the Local Organising Committee and City of Mexico government to postpone the upcoming World Championships in Para swimming and Para powerlifting until further notice.

“I know the postponement of both Championships will be disappointing news to all the athletes who were set to take part, however these are unique circumstances and quite simply this is the right thing to do at the moment.

“Our immediate priority now is to work with the team delegations currently in Mexico City to ensure their safe departure. We will then assess whether we can re-organise these Championships in the near future in Mexico City or seek alternatives.”

ESPN announce deal to broadcast all NBL vs NBA pre-season games in Australia

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and ESPN announced today that the three 2017 NBA pre-season games in the USA will be televised live in Australia on ESPN.

Sydney Kings vs. the Utah Jazz, Melbourne United vs. Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brisbane Bullets vs. the Phoenix Suns will all be featured between October 3rd and October 14th.

The fixtures mark the first time that NBL teams will travel to the USA to play against NBA teams. In addition to ESPN’s television broadcast, the games will also be available through NBA LEAGUE PASS, the league’s live game subscription service.

“We are excited to be able to have these games broadcast live in Australia,” said Jeremy Loeliger, chief executive of the NBL.

“It’s a great opportunity showcase Australian basketball on the biggest basketball stage in the world. While this is a first for the NBL, we hope these games can become a regular event in years to come.”

Brentford Football Club and Reliable Networks announce new partnership

Brentford Football Club and Reliable Networks have today announced a new partnership.

The IT Managed Support and Security Services company has agreed a deal to become an Official Club Supplier to Championship outfit, continuing a long-standing relationship.

James Parkinson, Brentford Football Club Commercial Director, said: “Paul Fisher and his team at Reliable Networks have shown tremendous support in their engagement with the Bees. With the introduction of LED Partnerships at Griffin Park we are delighted that Reliable are continuing their association with the Club during these exciting times.

Paul Fisher, Reliable Networks Managing Director, added: “We have worked with Brentford Football Club for more than nine years to date and we are enthused by the growth and ambition of the Club on and off the pitch.

“We are looking forward to a great season in the Championship, particularly as the journey continues towards the new stadium.”

The London-based firm has been working with the Club, and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, for almost a decade and has been involved in several sponsorships and initiatives.

SportAccord convention reveals action-packed MediaAccord conference for it sports business summit in Bangkok

SportAccord Convention is delighted to reveal the MediaAccord Conference Programme ‘Breaking New Ground – Areas of Opportunity in the Media Landscape’ under the overarching theme of marketing and sponsorship for its 16th edition in Bangkok, Thailand.

MediaAccord, one of the five conference programme streams at the SportAccord Convention, is set to take place on Thursday, 19 April 2018 and promises to be an action-packed afternoon. Kicking off at 13:30 with a media interview, delegates will get to hear the latest coming out of PyeongChang 2018.

This will follow with a scene setter ‘Changing media consumption demographics’ and look at the rapidly-changing media landscape and how best to take advantage of the myriad new technologies available.

Millennials are currently the largest living generation, the most lucrative market in the world, and have the largest annual buying power. They rarely watch television and traditional websites, marketing and advertising channels fail to register.


They value authenticity and like to align themselves with organisations doing good in the world and give support to brands and events who have similar values. This panel session will examine how sport and media can do their jobs effectively when demographics, technology and priorities are forever shifting.

User-generated content (UGC) is playing a larger and more complex role in many aspects of sports brands, events, revenue generation and sponsorship. MediaAccord will host a round table and look at whether’ UGC is a threat or a bonus’ at this conference session.

‘Sports Apps for Dummies’ will provide the final session for MediaAccord. A fast-paced interactive Q&A is planned with knowledge experts providing insight in to how a whole range of user content can revolutionise a sport including athletes and fans, as well make an impact on your bottom line.

Any organisation involved in the business of sport can register and take part in SportAccord Convention.

Delegate passes are currently available at CHF2,000 for a limited time only, providing access to the most prestigious network of key decision-makers in sport, the full conference programme, exhibition, social events including the Opening Ceremony and Closing Event, luncheons, evening cocktails and much more.

Further ground-breaking insights from leading experts can be seen from last year’s MediaAccord conference sessions including Greg Stremlaw who explained how CBC created a pioneering public broadcasting partnership model for the Rio Games; a panel session focused on both practical and strategic ways of enhancing relationships with media to tell better stories that fans and the public want to hear; discover how FIVB sought to maximise media exposure and its public profile for the sport; and from Nielsen Sports, understanding the changing trends in audience habits and media consumption.