Highclere Castle sponsors Carnarvon Stakes

The Carnarvon Stakes horse race, held at Newbury Racecourse, will this year be sponsored by Highclere Castle Gin.

The race is run over six furlongs (1.2km) and offers a total prize fund of £65,000 (US$81,380). It will be held on Saturday 18 May.

Lara Johnston, sponsorship manager at Newbury Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to announce Highclere Castle Gin as the new sponsor of the Carnarvon Stakes.

“As a local family with a rich history and association with Newbury Racecourse, it is very fitting that Highclere Castle Gin is sponsoring the race named after the family who has resided at Highclere Estate since the 17th century.”

Highclere Castle, the home of the gin’s co-founders Earl and Countess Carnarvon, is located seven miles from Newbury Racecourse.

The Carnarvon family has owned the property since 1679 and has long since been associated with the race, reflected through its name. The fifth Earl of Carnarvon supported the creation of Newbury Racecourse in 1905.

Highclere Castle Gin has been served at Newbury’s bars for the past two years.

Lord Carnarvon said: “The Carnarvon family and Highclere Estate have a long association with Newbury Racecourse, with my great grandfather – the fifth Earl – being a founder shareholder in 1904. My father was a passionate owner-breeder and a great supporter of Newbury Racecourse, being chairman from 1985 to 1998.

“Highclere Castle Gin is proud to sponsor the Carnarvon Stakes as we appreciate the link to the terroir of Highclere with our oats which have also powered so many of the winners of this race.”

The gin brand recently revealed that its US sales were booming, having expanded to Connecticut last year.