CopyBet strengthens ties with UK horse racing

CopyBet, a leading online betting operator, has announced its most extensive series of horse racing sponsorships to date, signaling its deepening commitment to British racing. The new sponsorship program spans multiple fixtures at three major UK racecourses: Haydock Park, Kempton Park, and Newmarket. This move reflects CopyBet's growing presence within the UK betting and sporting landscape and underscores the company’s strategy of aligning with premium horse racing events to engage with enthusiasts and casual bettors alike.

Sponsorship package details

The operator has secured naming rights to 25 races across four Jockey Club fixtures before the end of 2025. These fixtures include:

• CopyBet Friday Flat Finale at Haydock Park on 17 October
• CopyBet Two-Year-Old Day at Newmarket on 22 October
• CopyBet Jump Sunday at Kempton Park on 19 October
• CopyBet Afternoon Jump Racing at Kempton Park on 24 November

Mark Smith, Managing Director of CopyBet UK, highlighted the importance of this sponsorship initiative:

“This latest series of horse racing sponsorships signifies a landmark moment for CopyBet’s growth and commitment to the sport in the UK. After the success of the CopyBet November Racing Weekend at Ascot in 2024, we are pleased to be increasing our presence this year and hope to add further sponsorships to our portfolio in 2026.”

The naming rights agreement will see CopyBet branding prominently displayed across racecourse signage, promotional materials, and race day programs. By associating its brand with some of the UK’s most prestigious races, CopyBet aims to strengthen its visibility among racing fans and bettors while contributing to the sport’s broader growth.

Partnership with The Jockey Club

Daniel Glavin, Betting Partnerships Manager at The Jockey Club, emphasized the significance of CopyBet’s involvement:

“We are very pleased to welcome CopyBet as a partner this year. Their commitment to British racing through sponsorship of four of our fixtures, including the CopyBet Two-Year-Old Day at Newmarket and CopyBet Jump Sunday at Kempton Park, underlines our shared ambition to elevate the racegoer experience and showcase the very best of the sport.”

The Jockey Club, which manages some of the UK's most iconic racecourses, has increasingly sought partnerships with betting operators to enhance race day experiences, expand digital engagement, and ensure sustainable funding for the sport. CopyBet’s involvement represents one of the largest single-season sponsorship commitments by the operator and is expected to raise the profile of the featured race days significantly.

Expanding engagement with jockey Jonathan Burke

In addition to its race sponsorships, CopyBet has extended its brand ambassador partnership with Irish jockey Jonathan Burke for a third consecutive year. Burke, who has achieved over 500 career wins, including notable victories at Ascot in 2024, will continue as Fergal O'Brien's stable jockey while prominently displaying CopyBet branding throughout the season.

Mark Smith noted:

“Jonathan is an exceptional ambassador for our brand. His professionalism, skill, and dedication to horse racing align perfectly with CopyBet’s values. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration and support him across the upcoming National Hunt season.”

Burke’s association with CopyBet also includes appearances at promotional events, social media campaigns, and media engagements designed to bring fans closer to the sport. By maintaining continuity with a high-profile jockey, CopyBet reinforces its commitment to both the sport and the betting community.

Free live streaming for UK and Ireland races

To complement its sponsorship activities and enhance customer engagement, CopyBet has introduced free live streaming of all UK and Ireland races via its sportsbook platform. This initiative allows bettors and racing enthusiasts to watch fixtures in real time without additional costs, broadening access to horse racing coverage and encouraging informed betting decisions.

The live streaming service includes high-quality commentary, race statistics, and interactive features such as multi-race views and post-race analysis. By offering this service, CopyBet positions itself as a customer-centric platform, providing greater value beyond traditional betting offerings.

CopyBet’s broader sports involvement

Beyond horse racing, CopyBet has steadily expanded its involvement in other sports. The operator currently serves as the official front-of-shirt partner for Championship football club Queens Park Rangers, reinforcing its brand presence across multiple sporting disciplines. This cross-sport approach allows CopyBet to reach a diverse audience, linking football and horse racing communities while strengthening brand recognition across the UK.

Commitment to integrity and responsible betting

CopyBet’s recent sponsorship and engagement activities are also underpinned by a commitment to responsible gambling. The company joined the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in June 2025, demonstrating its adherence to industry best practices and commitment to player protection. Additionally, CopyBet became a member of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) in May 2025, integrating its betting data into a global monitoring network designed to detect irregular betting patterns and maintain fair play across the industry.

These memberships highlight CopyBet’s dedication to transparency, compliance, and integrity in sports betting—a crucial consideration given the regulatory and reputational risks inherent in the sector.

Strategic importance for CopyBet

The expansion of CopyBet’s horse racing sponsorships represents a strategic effort to consolidate its position in the UK market. By aligning with prestigious Jockey Club events, partnering with a renowned jockey, and providing free live streaming services, CopyBet seeks to enhance customer engagement, increase brand visibility, and differentiate itself from competitors.

Industry observers note that sponsorship initiatives like these can have a long-term impact, building loyalty among bettors and generating significant media exposure for both the operator and the sport. CopyBet’s multi-faceted approach demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the synergies between sports sponsorship, digital engagement, and brand marketing.

Looking ahead

With its sponsorship portfolio extending through the end of 2025 and plans to potentially expand in 2026, CopyBet appears poised to continue strengthening its horse racing presence in the UK. The company’s integrated strategy, which combines race day sponsorship, ambassador partnerships, and digital innovation, positions it as a prominent player in the competitive online betting landscape.

Mark Smith concluded:

“We are committed to the growth of British horse racing and to providing our customers with an exceptional betting experience. This series of sponsorships is just the beginning, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the coming years.”

Conclusion

CopyBet’s latest horse racing sponsorship series underscores the operator’s ambitious growth strategy in the UK and Ireland. By securing naming rights to multiple races, extending its partnership with Jonathan Burke, and introducing free live streaming, CopyBet demonstrates a commitment to the sport, its fans, and responsible betting practices. As the operator continues to integrate into the fabric of British racing and expand its sporting portfolio, it is setting new benchmarks for engagement and innovation in the betting sector.

FAQs

What races are included in CopyBet's new sponsorship series?
The sponsorship series includes races at Haydock Park, Kempton Park, and Newmarket, covering 25 races across four fixtures in 2025.

Who is Jonathan Burke and what is his role with CopyBet?
Jonathan Burke is an Irish jockey with over 500 career wins. He continues as CopyBet’s brand ambassador and Fergal O'Brien's stable jockey.

Will the races be available to watch online?
Yes, CopyBet has introduced free live streaming of all UK and Ireland races on its sportsbook platform.

What is the significance of CopyBet partnering with The Jockey Club?
Partnering with The Jockey Club aligns CopyBet with some of the UK’s most prestigious racing events, enhancing brand visibility and supporting the sport’s development.

Is CopyBet involved in other sports sponsorships?
Yes, CopyBet is the official front-of-shirt partner for Championship football club Queens Park Rangers.

How does CopyBet ensure integrity in betting?
CopyBet joined the Betting and Gaming Council and the International Betting Integrity Association, integrating its data into global monitoring networks.

When will the sponsored races take place?
The races will occur from October to November 2025, including specific fixtures at Haydock, Newmarket, and Kempton.

Will CopyBet continue sponsorship in 2026?
While not confirmed, CopyBet aims to expand its sponsorship portfolio in 2026 based on the current series’ success.

How does CopyBet support responsible gambling?
CopyBet adheres to industry best practices, including memberships in BGC and IBIA, promoting safe and fair betting practices.

What is the overall impact of this sponsorship initiative?
The initiative increases CopyBet’s brand presence, enhances customer engagement, supports British horse racing, and offers free access to live races.