William Hill has been designated as the official betting partner of the Qipco Guineas Festival, marking the commencement of the UK Classic racing season.

This partnership adds to William Hill's portfolio of spring racing events, which includes sponsoring the Lincoln at Doncaster, the Punchestown Champion Chase and its role as the official betting partner of the Randox Grand National Festival.

The Qipco Guineas Festival spans three days and features headline races such as the 2000 and 1000 Guineas. William Hill will sponsor 15 races throughout the weekend, including the Jockey Club Stakes, Palace House and Dahlia Stakes – all of which will now bear the William Hill title.

The anticipation for the 2000 Guineas is particularly high, with Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy maintaining favouritism at 4/6 odds. Meanwhile, Karl Burke’s Fallen Angel leads a competitive field in the 1000 Guineas market at 7/2.

Lee Phelps, Spokesperson for William Hill, commented: “We’re delighted to become the official betting partner of the Qipco Guineas Festival, strengthening our relationship with The Jockey Club on the back of a fantastic Grand National Festival.

“It’s brilliant for William Hill to be associated directly with such a prestigious event at Newmarket, the home of the thoroughbred, for this season’s first two Classics. The company has a close connection with the history of the 2000 Guineas, as William Hill himself bred the 1949 winner Nimbus, who then went on to win the Derby.

“We’re excited to be involved at racing’s key meetings and see the Qipco Guineas Festival as the perfect sponsorship as the British Flat season kicks into gear.”

William Hill also recently created a 3D projection on St Johns Beacon in Liverpool ahead of the Grand National.