Bookmaker Coral has announced it is withdrawing its long-standing sponsorship of the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, citing recent government tax increases on betting operators. The decision ends a partnership that began in 1974, though Coral will continue to promote the event. Cheltenham officials expressed regret but affirmed ongoing ties with Coral's parent company, Entain.
On January 28, 2026, Coral, part of the Entain Group, revealed it would cease sponsoring the Coral Cup, a Grade 3 handicap hurdle race run over 2m5f on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival. This marks the end of the longest-running sponsorship at the festival, which started in 1974 as the Coral Golden Hurdle and became the Coral Cup in 1993. The race has been a highlight for bettors, with recent winners including Dan Skelton's Langer Dan in back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024, and Willie Mullins' Jimmy Du Seuil in 2025.
Simon Clare, Entain's UK consumer PR director, stated: “It is with some sadness that we are today announcing that Coral will not be continuing with its sponsorship of The Coral Cup. Coral has been the longest-running sponsor at the Cheltenham Festival since 1974, but the sheer size of the Government’s recent tax increase on betting operators means we are having to take very difficult decisions.” He highlighted the budget changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, including a rise in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40% effective April 1, 2026, while noting horse racing's exclusion from a similar increase in remote betting duty.
Clare emphasized Coral's ongoing commitment to racing, mentioning enduring sponsorships like the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase and the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, which celebrated 50 years in 2025. “Horse racing remains very important to Entain,” he added, urging the industry to collaborate more closely with operators amid rising costs, including media rights and levies.
Cheltenham chief executive Guy Lavender responded: “Coral has been a valued and hugely supportive partner... We look forward to announcing an update on the sponsorship of the race in due course.” The Jockey Club, which owns Cheltenham, maintains a strong relationship with Entain through other events like the Coral Lanzarote and Ladbrokes Trophy Day. This announcement follows the recent securing of a new sponsor for the Grade 1 Arkle Novices’ Chase, now the Singer Arkle.
