BOYLE Sports has announced a new initial three-year partnership with Galway Races, including a major milestone for the brand as it marks the opening of its 400th betting shop at Ballybrit.
Under the agreement, BOYLE Sports will increase its presence at Galway Races through a dedicated on-course betting shop and expanded branding throughout the venue. The arrangement covers the Galway racing calendar and adds to the operator’s existing relationship with the racecourse.
The partnership also includes BOYLE Sports’ title sponsorship of the Saturday program during the Galway Races festival. The race card features the €110,000 (US$125,400) BOYLE Sports Handicap Hurdle and the €80,000 (US$91,200) Galway Tribes Hurdle.
The development comes after BOYLE Sports announced a £100 million (US$136 million) expansion plan in the UK. However, the company said the opening of its 400th retail location in Galway coincides with its continued investment in the Irish market.
BOYLE Sports also maintains sponsorship agreements across Irish racing, including title sponsorship of the Irish Grand National. The operator additionally supports race meetings and feature races at venues including Leopardstown, Navan and Killarney.
Sinéadh Crowe, Head of Irish Retail Operations for BOYLE Sports, said: “Opening our 400th shop here marks a major milestone in the BOYLE Sports journey and reflects just how far we’ve come since John Boyle set up his first shop in County Armagh in 1982. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved and underlines our continued commitment to retail, Irish horse racing and delivering a top-class experience for customers on race day.
“The Galway Races is one of the standout events in the Irish sporting calendar, so we’re delighted to be strengthening our relationship with the racecourse through this new multi-year partnership.”
Michael Moloney, CEO of Galway Racecourse, said the opening of the betting shop forms part of a wider collaboration between the two organisations.
“It’s a real privilege to have BOYLE Sports open their 400th shop here on-site as part of this exciting new multi-year partnership with Galway Races,” Moloney said.
“We’re absolutely delighted to strengthen our ties with such a powerhouse brand with deep roots in Irish racing, and we’re excited to build on that shared heritage as we work together to enhance the experience for racegoers over the coming years,” he added.