Tonybet Renews Sponsorship of the Irish Champions Festival for the Third Year

Tonybet confirms its sponsorship as title sponsor of the Group 2 Tonybet Solonaway Stakes during the Irish Champions Festival, which will take place at Leopardstown Racecourse on Saturday, September 12, 2026. This renewal marks the third consecutive year of partnership, reaffirming the iGaming operator's strategic interest in the Irish market and high-profile equestrian events.

Tonybet Consolidates Its Presence in Irish Equestrian Competitions

The sponsorship covers the Tonybet Solonaway Stakes race, which is part of the inaugural day of the festival at Leopardstown. Tonybet, a registered operator in several European jurisdictions, confirmed that its 2026 agreement includes prominent brand presence at the racetrack and the delivery of a personalized trophy for this year's edition.

The event will feature Irish football figure Tony Cascarino, who will award the trophy to the winners and participate in a live Q&A session for attendees at the venue. Such activations reinforce the company’s strategy to integrate the brand with the local audience, blending sports betting, entertainment, and brand promotion.

"Irish racing inspires a loyalty and passion that few sports can match, and nowhere is this more evident than at Leopardstown during the kickoff of the Irish Champions Festival. Sponsoring the Solonaway Stakes for the third consecutive year means a lot to us. The race has already provided us with two memorable editions, and with the inaugural day concentrating three Group 1 races, the 2026 festival promises to be the strongest yet. Tonybet is honored to participate in a great sporting weekend and we look forward to September 12," said Dmitry Arabuli, CEO of Tonybet.

Key Details of the Festival and the Sponsorship

• The Tonybet Solonaway Stakes is one of the highlighted events on the inaugural day at Leopardstown, alongside the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.
• The festival extends to Sunday, September 13, at The Curragh, featuring the Comer Group International Irish St Leger.
• The Irish Champions Festival reaches its 13th edition in 2026 and will distribute over 5 million euros in prizes between Leopardstown and The Curragh.
• Tonybet reinforces its identity in the iGaming sector by linking with top-tier sporting events in regulated markets like Ireland, where the audience bets on tradition and sports entertainment.

Impact on Operators and Connections in the iGaming Ecosystem

Tonybet's sustained commitment to equestrian sponsorship contrasts with less presence-focused marketing approaches adopted by other regulated international operators. Visibility in traditional media and partnerships with national sports figures like Tony Cascarino indicate a strategy aimed at consolidating reputation and generating trust among Irish bettors.

For operators, choosing venues such as the Irish Champions Festival offers opportunities for brand integration, attracting new users, and compliance with regulations on responsible promotion, as the event is widely followed by both the general and professional audience.

Overview of the Irish Champions Festival 2026

The Irish Champions Festival remains a reference in the European horse racing industry, maintaining its appeal with a total prize pool exceeding 5 million euros distributed across the days at Leopardstown and The Curragh. The coexistence of Group 1 and Group 2 races, combined with the participation of sponsors from the iGaming sector, reinforces the importance of these events for both betting audiences and investors and technology platforms involved in the sports betting ecosystem.

The profitability and prestige of the festival provide an ideal showcase for sponsorship agreements, in an industry seeking to maximize brand impact under increasingly demanding regulatory frameworks. Tonybet, as an international operator, reiterates its commitment to visibility in strategic markets and in highly impactful events.