Tonybet Extends Solonaway Stakes Sponsorship for Third Year at Irish Champions Festival

Tonybet has confirmed its return as title sponsor of the Group 2 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes at Leopardstown Racecourse, marking the company's third consecutive year supporting the Irish Champions Festival. The event is set for Saturday, 12 September, with the operator expanding its branding and on-site activities as part of this continuity. Irish international footballer Tony Cascarino will feature as trophy presenter and Q&A participant, reinforcing Tonybet’s visibility on the opening day.

Tonybet’s Role at the 2026 Irish Champions Festival

The iGaming operator maintains its focus on Irish racing, returning as front-facing sponsor for the Solonaway Stakes. Tonybet’s CEO, Dmitry Arabuli, framed the renewal as part of a strategy to sustain engagement in a sport known for its passionate fanbase. The sponsorship covers on-course branding on the festival’s opening day and a bespoke trophy created specifically for this year’s race.

“Irish racing inspires a loyalty and passion that very few sports can match, and nowhere is that clearer than at Leopardstown on the opening day of Irish Champions Festival... Tonybet is honoured to play its part in a great sporting weekend, and we look forward to 12 September.” — Dmitry Arabuli, CEO of Tonybet

The package also adds a public-facing dimension through Tony Cascarino’s involvement. His presence as trophy presenter and during a live Q&A is positioned to connect the operator’s brand with wider sports audiences at the racecourse.

Solonaway Stakes and Festival Overview

The Tonybet Solonaway Stakes holds Group 2 status and runs on the same card as the marquee Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes. This integration ensures prominence for sponsors and strong racing content for attendees and viewers (see more racing detail on our sports page).

The festival continues at The Curragh the following day, Sunday 13 September, featuring the Comer Group International Irish St Leger. Organisers report that Irish Champions Festival has now reached its 13th year. Prize money for the weekend across Leopardstown and The Curragh is set at over €5 million, underpinning the event’s status within international racing.

Brand Activation and Market Context for Tonybet

Tonybet has incrementally broadened its Irish racing involvement. The continuation of this sponsorship indicates a commitment to event-based marketing within highly-followed sporting contexts. Brand visibility onsite at major racing fixtures supports broader operator objectives in regulated markets like Ireland.

The 2026 festival schedule underscores the event’s draw for both betting operators and sponsors. With the opening day featuring three Group 1 contests, executives position this year’s iteration as particularly significant, though Tonybet’s statement focuses on the sponsorship’s continuity and the “memorable renewals” of prior years. The direct engagement with attendees via Tony Cascarino fits with current operator tactics of enlisting sports ambassadors as brand linkages, but unlike competitors, Tonybet refrains from announcing specific product tie-ins or activation metrics in this release.

Looking Ahead: Implications and Industry Positioning

Irish Champions Festival continues to be targeted by gaming and betting operators seeking to reach core racing and sports audiences. Tonybet’s sponsorship persistence and expanded presence with notable sports figures are standard plays in the sector. The €5 million prize pot and group-race card reinforce the event’s stature and its ability to draw both local and international brands. As the September festival date approaches, other operators’ strategies for competitive activation and customer engagement at large-scale events will also be in focus.

What Sets the 2026 Sponsorship Apart

While Tonybet’s renewal is noteworthy for its duration—now entering a third consecutive year—there are no major structural changes announced in this iteration. The incremental shift is in on-course presentation and ambassador engagement, rather than digital or cross-channel product integration. The operator is set to deliver the same baseline presence with additional visibility on the opening day and further involvement from high-profile sports personalities.