The freshest and most exciting brand in Australian wagering will make its trackside debut in January, with Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) announcing an exciting evolution in the relationship with GVC Australia, a major partner of the Club for more than four years through its brand Ladbrokes.
Ladbrokes-branded assets will transition to GVC’s newest brand Neds at Caulfield Racecourse from Australia Day Weekend Races on 25 January with the commencement of the Neds Blue Diamond Race Series, while Neds Mornington Cup Day on 21 March will be the first time the new brand takes over the racecourse and race day naming rights.
Since the 2015 Caulfield Cup Carnival, the Ladbrokes name has been associated with many banner races at MRC including the Caulfield Guineas, Blue Diamond Stakes, Caulfield Stakes and Mornington Cup. Sandown Racecourse will retain its Ladbrokes Park moniker in line with GVC’s dual brand strategy.
Of the transition, Josh Blanksby, MRC Chief Executive Officer said, “GVC Australia has proven to be a fabulous partner of the Club for the best part of five years, so we are naturally delighted to be able to support it in its brand strategy, particularly given the impact Neds.com.auhas made in the Australian wagering market in a relatively short time.
“Moreover, its involvement and support of other aspects of the Club, like our charity arm, the MRC Foundation, continues to demonstrate the true spirit of the partnership.”
In addition to race day sponsorship, MRC members who hold accounts with Ladbrokes and Neds will enjoy new offers and benefits as a result of the partnership.
“These developments will bring about some exciting benefits to MRC members, which we are looking forward to rolling out with the branding changes early in 2020,” said Mr. Blanksby.
Dean Shannon, Neds CEO, said, “Neds is the most progressive brand in Australian wagering and it makes great sense to partner with the MRC, which has proven itself to be the nation’s most progressive racing club.
“We are excited to roll-out Neds branding at Caulfield and Mornington and it will be a great thrill to witness the running of the Neds Blue Diamond Stakes on Saturday, February 22, the first Group 1 race to carry the Neds brand,” said Mr. Shannon.
The Neds Blue Diamond Race Series:
Australia Day Weekend Races – Saturday 25 January 2020
Listed, Neds Blue Diamond Preview (C&G)
Group 3, Neds Blue Diamond Preview (F)
C.F. Orr Stakes Family Day – Saturday 8 February 2020
Group 3, Neds Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G)
Group 2, Neds Blue Diamond Prelude (F)
Neds Blue Diamond Stakes Day – Saturday 22 February 2020
Group 1, Neds Blue Diamond Stakes
