Vodafone to sponsor Derby for 'final year'

Vodafone has said that it will sponsor the 2008 Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday 7th June for one final year. It had decided not to renew its sponsorship for this year but has agreed to return because no new sponsor has been found. Vodafone will also sponsor the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, which will move to the Saturday. The remaining races over the two-day festival will be split between other sponsors. Rumours of Vodafone's plans appeared in newspapers last week.

Vodafone returning to Derby?

Vodafone could return to sponsor the Derby in June, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph. The company pulled out of horse-racing sponsorship last year after a 13-year association with the Derby. Apparently racecourse officials are talking to Vodafone about a one-year deal for the event, which doesn't currently have a new backer.