Grand National Seeks New Sponsor As John Smith's Calls Time

Brewer John Smith’s will end its award-winning sponsorship of the Grand National after the 2013 renewal of the race. It has sponsored the three-day meet since 2005 having taken over from Martell.

Karen Crowley, John Smith's brand manager, said: "The Grand National has been one of the jewels in our UK sponsorship crown and the decision to end the title sponsorship was difficult to make.

"We've enjoyed nine exciting years as the title sponsor of jump racing's flagship event, during which time we have seen the John Smith's Grand National achieve record TV viewing figures and attendances.

"We will continue to be involved in racing through events such as the John Smith's Cup at York and the Northumberland Plate, both televised on Channel 4, and hope that we can find ways to continue being involved in the Grand National meeting in some capacity after 2013."

Aintree chairman Lord Daresbury is quoted as saying: “It would naturally have been easier if John Smith’s had been willing to extend the contract again, but I am completely confident the race will attract plenty of new interest.

“I genuinely believe it is a commercial decision. The image of the race has patently been a consideration, though I’m sure it was not the overriding one. I’m sure they got tremendous value out of the sponsorship and the branding exposure at the course was unprecedented.”