Sportsbet and Melbourne Racing Club Announce Five-Year Partnership

In a significant move for the world of Australian horse racing, Sportsbet has unveiled a groundbreaking five-year partnership with Melbourne Racing Club (MRC). This strategic alliance, commencing on January 1, 2024, is poised to revolutionize the racing scene by bringing in new fans and enhancing the experience for seasoned enthusiasts.

The Melbourne Racing Club, a not-for-profit members club boasting over 12,000 members, oversees more than 80 race meetings annually across three premier racetracks in Victoria – Caulfield, Mornington, and Sandown. Under this new agreement, Sportsbet will become the naming rights partner for the prestigious Caulfield Cup Carnival and the iconic Caulfield Cup, solidifying its presence in the Australian racing world.

One of the standout features of this partnership is Sportsbet's commitment to contribute $AU 125,000 annually to the MRC Foundation. This foundation, dedicated to charitable and community work, aims to support local communities and the racing industry. This philanthropic endeavor aligns with Flutter Group's global sustainability strategy, which strives to improve 10 million lives by 2030.

Sportsbet is adding excitement to the mix by offering a remarkable $AU 1 million prize to any horse that achieves the Sportsbet Mornington Cup and Sportsbet Caulfield Cup double within a calendar year. Additionally, $AU 125,000 will be invested in racing growth initiatives at the Mornington racetrack. A cutting-edge LED technology for barriers will also be introduced in early 2024, promising a state-of-the-art racing experience.

Barni Evans, Sportsbet CEO, expressed excitement about partnering with the MRC and their shared ambition of attracting new audiences to racing. He highlighted Sportsbet's commitment to community support, particularly the annual contribution to the MRC Foundation.

Josh Blanksby, Melbourne Racing Club CEO, called this partnership the most significant in the club's history. He looks forward to introducing a broader sporting audience to the world of racing through Sportsbet's strong market presence. This collaboration is set to secure the future of Australian horse racing on the sporting stage.