The famous Hill at Epsom Downs Racecourse is to be renamed Poundland Hill after a new sponsorship deal was struck with the high street retailer.

Families and racing fans will be able to enjoy the world famous Epsom Derby for free Poundland Hill, the Jockey Club announced today (Thursday, May 11).

Coinciding with the Poundland deal, bank and asset manager Investec announced it was extending its sponsorship at the world-famous racecourse for an extra five years, taking the sponsorship through until 2026.

From last week: The Derby Festival is set to get much bigger with double the space for families in Hillside Enclosure at Epsom Downs racecourse

Phil White, Regional Director of the Jockey Club’s London region, said: “Investec have been a fantastic partner of the Investec Derby and supporter of British racing. We are delighted to have them on board for another ten years. The Investec team show their passion and dedication for this special event in their activation at every level of the Investec Derby Festival.”

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Malcolm Fried, Global Head of Marketing at Investec added: “We are proud to have extended our sponsorship of the Investec Derby Festival, an event that shares our values of energy, passion and outstanding talent. The Investec Derby has given back so much to our brand over the years, and we are committed to ensuring it remains the greatest flat race in the world.”

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Poundland trading director Barry Williams was thrilled to be involved in this year’s Derby in support of Investec’s partnership with Epsom and its parent company Steinhoff International. He said: “All of Britain loves the Derby and as the people’s store, we’re looking forward to helping make the people’s hill at Epsom one of the best ways for the family to experience The Derby at Epsom.”

Racing fans and pundits reacted to the Poundland Hill announcement on social media.

The Epsom Derby festival kicks off with Ladies’ Day on Friday, June 2, before the main Derby race on Saturday, June 3.