Bookmaker Ladbrokes teams up with ‘Nursery of Champions’

Ladbrokes has expanded its footprint in Victorian racing by becoming the major partner of the Bendigo Jockey Club in a deal that will cover the next three seasons.

The agreement will see Ladbrokes assume naming rights for the club’s feature events, headlined by the $500,000 Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) in late October and the $200,000 Listed Golden Mile (1600m) in the autumn.

Entain Australia Interim CEO Andrew Vouris praised Bendigo’s long history of producing top-level racehorses and said the partnership recognised its importance to the sport.

“Bendigo is a club with a proud past and an exciting future. By supporting its marquee races, we hope to help attract strong fields and deliver memorable experiences for fans and participants alike,” Vouris said.

Bendigo Jockey Club CEO Paul Scullie welcomed the new deal and described it as a significant boost for the region’s racing profile.

“This partnership is a huge endorsement of the work our team has done to grow Bendigo’s status as a racing hub,” Scullie said. “Ladbrokes shares our commitment to quality racing and community engagement, and we look forward to working together on our flagship events.”

Ladbrokes already holds major sponsorships with Moonee Valley, Cranbourne and Geelong, and this new arrangement further strengthens its ties with Victorian racing.

The club’s new racing season kicks off on Thursday, August 14, setting the stage for an action-packed spring highlighted by the Ladbrokes Bendigo Cup.