The Newbury based company has sponsored the Vodafone Derby Meeting since 1995 and in that time has developed a very close association with the event. The new contract will extend that association to include the Vodafone Derby Meetings in 2003, 2004 and 2005 with a further two-year option beyond that.

Commenting on the renewal, Sue Ellen, Managing Director of United Racecourses said. "We are delighted to have extended our association with Vodafone for a further 3 years. It is so important for an event as prestigious as the Vodafone Derby to have a sponsor of the caliber and status of Vodafone. Both the financial support and the very proactive and positive input they have made have contributed enormously to our long-term development objectives and ambitions for the Vodafone Derby meeting. At a time when competition has never been higher within the UK and throughout the World to present the best and most prestigious race, Vodafone’ s sponsorship of the Derby has helped us to do just that, as well as maintaining the £1.2 million prize fund, the highest in British racing."

Sir Christopher Gent, Chief Executive of the Vodafone Group said, "As the number one horse race in the world we are pleased to continue our long standing association with the Vodafone Derby meeting which gives us excellent exposure and media value."

Gent continued: "The Vodafone Derby fits extremely well into our current sponsorship portfolio and we are particularly pleased with the way it has developed and prospered over the past few years. Saturday is now well established as the big race day, the huge crowds on the Hill are back and a new agreement for the BBC to provide the television coverage is in place. Our commitment to racing remains as strong as ever and we are delighted to continue our long running partnership with this great International sporting event."

This year’s Vodafone Derby Meeting takes place at Epsom at the end of Jubilee week on the 7th and 8th of June.