Sky Bet sponsor Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown

Sky Bet are to break new ground with a first race sponsorship at Punchestown in January when they add an Irish contest to the "Road to Cheltenham" portfolio of six races which build up to the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

The eyes of all ante-post Cheltenham Festival punters are sure to be on the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle, a Grade Two contest, on January 9, which for the last two years has been won by the horse who went on to triumph in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Carrying prize money of €40,000, the Grade Two contest comes after Sky Bet-sponsored contests at Cheltenham and Ascot that have also been used by potential Supreme contenders.

Twelve months ago, the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle was won by Douvan, and a year previously to that Vautour was successful.

The race was first run in 2003, named in honour of the celebrated steeplechaser Moscow Flyer, and has also been won by subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Kicking King.

"We are delighted to be sponsoring the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle at Punchestown and also be associated with one of Ireland's premier National Hunt tracks," said Sky Bet Racing PR manager Michael Shinners.

"The race has offered the crucial clue as to the winner of the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham for the last two years and is understandably of great significance to punters.

"It will be fascinating to see which horses line up for this year's renewal and in particular what Willie Mullins chooses to run as he clearly targets the race as a stepping stone to the Festival".

Punchestown Manager Dick O'Sullivan welcomed the news: "We are delighted to welcome Sky Bet as sponsors to Punchestown.

"The arrangement is all the more significant given that Punchestown will be the sole Irish track involved as the Sky Bet series builds up ahead of their sponsorship of the Supreme Novices'.

What is now the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle has already produced two winners of the Supreme at Cheltenham and is a key indicator for the major spring festivals. We look forward to welcoming the Sky Bet team and potential champions to Punchestown on 9th January".  

The Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle is the feature race on the 9th January at Punchestown.