Close Brothers & The Jockey Club

Proud to support British horse racing

At Close Brothers, we believe in hard work, determination, teamwork and resilience, and these values are at the heart of our people and our business.

It is these values that have drawn us to the world of horse racing, a world where success comes from following these same principles.

That is why we have been a proud partner of The Jockey Club since 2016. Founded in 1750, The Jockey Club is the largest commercial group in Britain’s second-biggest

spectator sport. Each year The Jockey Club stages thrilling sporting occasions, from The Grand National and The Cheltenham Festival, to The Guineas and The Epsom Derby. The Jockey Club is part of the fabric of British racing.

Horse racing is great entertainment and attracts a broad audience from all demographics, just as we have clients all around the country from SME manufacturers to some of the wealthiest in the land. It is a great fit for Close Brothers.

History of The Jockey Club and its racecourses Origins

Early Days

Evolution

The Jockey Club was founded in 1750 by some of the most influential figures in British society who shared a passion for horseracing. Initially they held meetings in London at the Star and Garter in Pall Mall and also in St. James’ Street and Hyde Park.

Soon the Club relocated to Newmarket.

In 1752, The Jockey Club leased a plot of land in Newmarket where a Coffee House was constructed in the High Street as a meeting place for its members. Soon The Jockey Club purchased the freehold, which became known as The Jockey Club Rooms, as it is today.

In line with its mission to act for the good of British horseracing, The Jockey Club established a new string to its bow in 1964. It formed Jockey Club Racecourses (then Racecourse Holdings Trust) with the purchase of Cheltenham Racecourse in order to secure the track’s future.

The first written reference to The Jockey Club came in Pond’s annually published racing ‘Kalendar’.

The Jockey Club established rules to ensure races on Newmarket heath were run fairly.

These proved so successful that they were gradually adopted by racecourses around the country and soon, internationally. From setting the Rules of Racing, over time, The Jockey Club took on the responsibility of becoming the official governing body for horseracing in Britain.

Soon after, Wincanton (1966), Nottingham (1967), Warwick (1967) and Market Rasen (1968) joined the Group, thereby also guaranteeing their future as racecourses. In 1974, Newmarket Racecourses became part of the Group, followed by Haydock Park (1978), Aintree (1982) and Huntingdon (1992).

In 1993, the British Horseracing Board (BHB) was established to govern British racing, while The Jockey Club retained its primary role of regulator, with responsibility for devising and enforcing the Rules of Racing.

A New Focus

Today

In 1994, Jockey Club Racecourses purchased Epsom Downs, Kempton Park and Sandown Park. Its northernmost racecourse, Carlisle, was added in 2001.

In 2006, Jockey Club Estates expanded its interests outside Newmarket with the purchase of Mandown Gallops, 500 acres of training grounds in Lambourn. In April 2007, Exeter became the latest racecourse to join Jockey Club Racecourses.

Governed by Royal Charter and with Her Majesty The Queen as its Patron, The Jockey Club operates under a modern corporate structure and it leads the investment and innovation in British racing.

Aware criticisms can be levelled at a selfelected body, The Jockey Club sought to increase the transparency and independence of racing’s regulatory responsibilities. In April 2006, the Horserace Regulatory Authority (HRA) was formed to take on The Jockey Club’s role of policing the sport.

In July 2007, through a merger of the BHB and HRA, the British Horseracing Authority was formed both to govern and regulate the sport. This freed The Jockey Club to focus on investing in and generating returns from its commercial interests, to plough back into the sport.

In April 2008, The National Stud was transferred from Government to become a subsidiary of The Jockey Club, reinvigorating the famous breeding enterprise and its education programmes.

Each year it continues to deliver thrilling sporting occasions including The Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Epsom Derby.

The Statistics

The Jockey Club has 15 venues located across England: 1. Aintree 2. Carlisle 3. Cheltenham 4. Exeter 5.

Epsom Downs 6.

Haydock Park 7. Huntingdon 8.

Kempton Park 9.

Market Rasen 10.

Newmarket July Course 11.

Newmarket Rowley Mile 12. Nottingham 13.

Sandown Park 14. Warwick 15. Wincanton

7,000 Races staged each year

£100m 2m+ Awarded in prize money per annum

£4.2bn 30m Contributed by the Horse Racing Industry to the UK economy, 2nd only to football.

Estimated annual TV audience

Attendees through the turnstiles annually

2nd Most attended sport in Britain

Sir AP McCoy

“To be a legend is easy, to become that legend takes hard work and pure dedication” Sir AP McCoy

Sir AP McCoy and Close Brothers

AP’s Career

Since 2017, we have been working with Sir AP McCoy, the renowned Champion Jockey, as Close Brothers brand ambassador.

Throughout his unprecedented 23-year career, Sir AP McCoy has consistently displayed incredible resilience and an unwavering determination to succeed.

Placing great importance on teamwork, commitment and trust, he represents a unique individual, whose values reflect those of Close Brothers, and our customers.

Sir AP McCoy is the world’s greatest jump jockey, having been crowned Champion Jockey for 20 consecutive years. AP recorded 4,357 career wins, including the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cups, The Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the King George VI Chase.

In his capacity as brand ambassador, AP has attended numerous race days and events alongside invited guests, giving his unique insight and expertise into being a jockey and competing in some of the world’s most famous horse racing events.

AP started his career as an apprentice at Jim Bolger’s stables and recorded his first winner in 1992 at the age of 17 on Legal Steps in a flat race.

Switching codes to become a jump jockey due to his height, he became the fastest jockey to reach the 100 winner mark in a season in 2001 and went on to beat the long standing record of Gordon Richards for the total number of winners ridden in a season, which had stood since 1947.

Largely recognised for riding in the green and gold silks of JP McManus, AP won the Grand National at his fifteenth attempt in April 2010 on Don’t Push It, trained by Jonjo O’Neil and owned by JP McManus.

On his 200th win of the 2014/2015 season AP announced his retirement live on television and his last ride was in April 2015.

During his prestigious career, AP overcame breaking bones more than 700 times from broken middle and lower vertebrae, both shoulder blades, both collarbones, ribs, ankle, cheekbones, wrist, ankle and leg plus a dislocated thumb and chipped teeth. AP’s determination and motivation to succeed was unwavering.

Recognising AP’s dedication and contribution to the world of sport, he was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2010, the first jockey to win the award, named RTE Sports Person of the Year in December 2013, received the BBC Lifetime Achievement award and honoured for his Outstanding Contribution to Sport at the BT Sport Industry Awards, both in 2015 . In January 2016 he was knighted for his services to horse racing.

At the races Since the beginning of our partnership we have had the pleasure of bringing the unique experience of horse racing to our customers, clients and employees.

To date, we have entertained over 2,500 clients at horse racing events such as The Cheltenham Festival and The Grand National as well as entertaining over 100 clients at the renowned Jockey Club Rooms, The Jockey Club’s private members club.

“The people on the table were most interesting and the day flew by. You clearly have a great relationship with the other clients that were there on the day, and this further underlines to me that you are the bank for us. It’s comforting to see a bank with true history and longevity with its clients. Some of your clients there have been with Close for 15 years +.”

Guest, Close Brothers Property Finance

“Cheltenham was a great success and my clients really enjoyed both days. The Tuesday was particularly good as AP and Emma Spencer added something to the occasion and clients enjoyed talking to them.

I though Emma was a great addition in involving clients in the days racing and giving them a few tips. Hospitality was very good on both days and I would invite clients again without any hesitation. I think we need to continue to use this association to market Close Brothers.”

Host, Close Brothers Asset Management

“It really was an excellent day yesterday very much enjoyed by our customers who came along – and a fantastic opportunity to enhance our relationship with them and thanks to the team in Close who organised everything – it was done exceptionally well.”

Host, Close Brothers Brewery Rentals

“It was a very good day out & really useful from a new business perspective with a number of potential opportunities discussed throughout the day. Having AP in the box to give a few tips before the racing started was also a real plus, which all the guests appreciated”.

Host, Close Brothers Invoice Finance

“My clients had a wonderful day. Catherine has two heroes – AP & Michelle Roux – both of whom she met that day. So very happy indeed.”

Host, Close Brothers Asset Management

“Just wanted to say a big thank you for yesterday, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Arrangements were great and meeting AP McCoy was a bonus!

Thanks again guys and look forward to hopefully working with you at some stage this year.”

Guest, Close Brothers Invoice Finance

“Had a truly memorable day at Cheltenham which was exceptional from start to finish.

Getting the chance to chat one-on-one with AP was a real highlight of the day.”

Guest, Close Brothers Asset Finance

2021

The Cheltenham Festival Due to Covid-19 this year’s Cheltenham Festival took place behind closed doors, with no crowds in attendance In a thrilling finish, Black Tears ridden by Jack Kennedy and trained by Denise Foster took the race to deny the Willie Mullinstrained favourite Concertista (opposite).

Black Tears

Age: 7 (Foaled March 13th, 2014) Sex: Bay Mare Breeding: Jeremy (USA) - Our Girl Salley (IRE) (Carroll House (IRE)) Trainer: Mrs D Foster Owner: Mrs C Walsh/Mr J Lightfoot

“She jumped and travelled brilliant the whole way. The line was coming, and we were just starting to get up so I was praying it wouldn’t come to soon, it didn’t, thank God. To be honest we’d have been delighted if she’d finished in the first three and I knew turning in I had a fair chance, as she was going to stay going. It was just a case of if the line came too soon.”

Jack Kennedy, winning jockey

Black Tears, winner of the Mares Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival 2021

2021

Cheltenham Race Day December

Close Brothers had one named race on this day, the Close Brothers Mares’ Handicap Hurdle The White Mouse cruised to victory in the Close Brothers Mares’ Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on day two of the International Meeting, ridden by jockey Bryony Frost (left).

The White Mouse

Age: 6 (Foaled April 22nd, 2014) Sex: Brown Mare Breeding: Stowaway (GB) - Maxwells Demon (IRE) (King’s Theatre (IRE)) Trainer: L Wadham Owner: Ms E L Banks

2021

The Grand National

Following the cancellation of the race in 2020 due to Covid-19, the event was back in 2021. Editeur Du Gite was a 9-1 winner of the Grade Three Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase for trainer Gary Moore and jockey Joshua Moore.

The seven-year-old ran prominently throughout and put in an almost faultless round of jumping, holding on to his lead to prevail from rallying 12-1 shot Sully D’Oc Aa.

Editeur du Gite

Age: 7 (Foaled May 7th, 2014) Sex: Bay Gelding Breeding: Saddex - Saddex (GB) - Malaga De St Sulpice (FR) (Saint Cyrien (FR)) Trainer: G L Moore Owner: The Preston Family, Friends & T Jacobs

Race winner Editeur du Gite with jockey Joshua Moore

2021

Kempton Park On the 27 February 2021, Close Brothers hosted their very own Chase Day at Kempton Park.

With four Graded races, there was no shortage of quality racing on offer, as a quick look through the roll of honour for the Grade Three Close Brothers Handicap Chase will demonstrate.

Not only did four-time King George VI Chase winner and 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Desert Orchid claim this race in 1990 but the three mile prize has also been used as a stepping stone to Grand National glory in the same year by both Rough Quest (1996) and Rhyme ‘n’ Reason (1988).

Running alongside the feature contest was the Grade Two Close Brothers Adonis Juvenile Hurdle, which has been won by the likes of Zarkandar (2011), Penzance and Mysilv (1994), all of whom backed up their wins in the following month’s Triumph Hurdle at The Cheltenham Festival.

2020

The Cheltenham Festival

A switch of race this year saw Close Brothers now sponsoring the Mares Hurdle on day 1 of the Festival.

The G1 Mares’ Hurdle was introduced to The Festival in 2008 and has been dominated by trainer Willie Mullins, who has landed nine of the twelve running’s to date. Six of Mullins’ victories were provided by the extraordinary Quevega, who created history by winning the contest every year between 2009 and 2014.

Benie Des Dieux was a strong favourite to take the race this year but Rachael Blackmore pinched the race with a decisive move around the home bend on board Honeysuckle.

Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle celebrate their victory with trainer Henry De Bromhead

Honeysuckle

Age: 6 (Foaled April 28th, 2014) Sex: Bay Mare Breeding: Sulamani (IRE) - First Royal (GER) (Lando (GER))

“The lady on the back of that mare is something special - the pair of them are brilliant.”

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Owner: Kenneth Alexander

Henry de Bromhead, Trainer

2020

Newmarket Newmarket race day 29 August 2020 saw Close Brothers own all the races on the day with the Close Brothers Hopeful Stakes aired on ITV1. The winner of this race was Brad the Brief, trained by Tom Dascombe and owned

by Chasemore Farm.

Brad The Brief

Age: 3 (Foaled March 7th, 2017) Sex: Bay Gelding Breeding: Dutch Art (GB) - Kenzadargent (FR) (Kendargent (FR)) Trainer: Tom Dascombe Owner: Chasemore Farm

2020

Haydock Park Close Brothers had five races at this meeting at Haydock Park in September 2021. The headline race of the day, The Close Brothers Handicap Stakes, was aired on ITV and was won by Irish horse Danyah.

2019

The Cheltenham Festival

Rachael Blackmore landed her first Cheltenham Festival winner with a superb ride on A Plus Tard to land the 2019 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase.

A Plus Tard’s win was the first of The Festival by a favourite, coming just half an hour after the short-priced Benie Des Dieux had fallen when clear at the final fence in the Mares’ Hurdle.

Rachael Blackmore celebrates her first win at the Cheltenham Festival

A Plus Tard

Age: 5 (Foaled February 6th, 2014) Sex: Bay Gelding Breeding: Kapgarde (FR) - Turboka (FR) (Kahyasi (FR)) Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

2019

The Grand National

Close Brothers first year at The Grand National, sponsoring the 16:40 Red Rum Handicap Chase At the event, Rachael Blackmore scored her first Randox Health Grand National Festival success when 11/2 chance Moon Over Germany, trained by Henry de Bromhead, won the G3 Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase comfortably by 10 lengths from 5/4 favourite Lady Buttons.

“He was very impressive. He galloped and jumped and made it very easy for me. It’s fantastic for (owner) Philip Reynolds and his family, and it’s fantastic for me to get one here.”

Rachael Blackmore, winning jockey

Moon Over Germany

Age: 8 (Foaled April 24th, 2011) Sex: Chestnut Gelding Breeding: Germany (USA) - Elea Moon (IRE) (Moonax (IRE)) Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Owner: Philip J Reynolds

Rachael Blackmore riding Moon Over Germany in the G3 Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap

2018

The Cheltenham Festival

Ruby Walsh walks home after a fall

2018 was Close Brothers third year at The Cheltenham Festival. Bottom weight Mister Whitaker came out best in the closest finish on day one of The Festival for trainer Mick Channon and jockey Brian Hughes.

Mister Whitaker

Age: 6 (Foaled April 7th, 2012) Sex: Bay Gelding Breeding: Court Cave (IRE) Benbradagh Vard (IRE) (Le Bavard (FR)) Trainer: M R Channon Owner: Mr T P Radford

“I know the feeling; I know the atmosphere. It’s just magic. Brian was just perfect with him.”

Mick Channon, Trainer

2017

The Cheltenham Festival

The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase this year was a thrilling race, but in the end, Tully East came through and won by a cosy length-and-a-quarter.

Trained in Co Kildare by Alan Fleming, Tully East was produced with a welltimed challenge by Denis O’Regan and galloped all the way to the line to beat Gold Present into second.

Tully East

Age: 8 (Foaled May 19th, 2010) Sex: Bay Gelding Breeding: Shantou (USA) - Ghillie’s Bay (King’s Ride (IRE)) Trainer: Alan Fleming Owner: Barry Connell

2016

The Cheltenham Festival

Close Brothers first year at The Cheltenham Festival, sponsoring the 17:30 Novices Handicap Chase on the opening day of The festival, won by Ballyalton (IRE). Ballyalton was ridden by jockey Brian Hughes.

Ballyalton is owned by golfer turned horse racing enthusiast Lee Westwood.

“He has been second so many times. It’s not the Gold Cup, but it’s my Gold Cup. It’s my first Cheltenham Festival winner and it’s a great feeling.”

Brian Hughes on Ballyalton

Ballyalton

Age: 9 (Foaled March 29th, 2007) Sex: Bay Gelding Breeding: Pierre (GB) - Almilto (IRE) (Mandalus (IRE)) Trainer: Ian Williams Owner: Mr John Westwood

“I was struggling to think what to buy my dad for Christmas... I’ve long owned a few racehorses but I’d never had one with my father. Ian Williams said he had a good one that he had brought over from Ireland and so I bought it for Dad... It’s turned out to be a good horse. It’s every National Hunt owner’s dream to get a runner at Cheltenham. I don’t know how good the horse can become, but everyone tells me he is a great horse. There’s obviously a lot of luck involved. His pedigree is Grand National. He stays forever and he jumps well, so we’ll see.’

Lee Westwood, Owner

2016

The Imperial Cup The Imperial Cup was first run in 1907, and in its early years it was considered to be the most important hurdle race of the season.

Flying Angel ridden by Ryan Hatch won The Close Brothers Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park.

Flying Angel

Age: 10 (Foaled April 28th, 2011) Sex: Grey Gelding Breeding: Pierre - Arcadio (GER), Gypsy Kelly (IRE) (Roselier (FR)) Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies Owner: Mr R J Rexton

Winner Most Effective Sponsorship We were delighted for the partnership to be recognised by the Financial Services Forum when Close Brothers won the Most Effective Sponsorship at The Financial Services Forum Awards for Marketing Effectiveness in 2019.