Sharp To Sponsor The Telegraph Handicap
The Wellington Racing Club and Sharp Corporation of New Zealand today announced a new partnership, with confirmation of
Sharp’s sponsorship of the Sharp Telegraph Handicap (Group 1). The $200,000 Sharp Telegraph is run at Trentham on
Saturday 20 January 2007, with the prizemoney of the race having been increased significantly this year, up $80,000 from
$120,000.
“The announcement of the club’s new partnership with Sharp today underlines the importance of the Telegraph Handicap to
the wider industry”, Wellington Racing Club President Mike Brown stated. “The Wellington Racing Club and the RACE Group
of clubs have recognised the standing of the race and have moved to increase its stake accordingly. Having a company
with the prestige and profile of Sharp sponsor the Telegraph will help us lift this race to the next level.”
Sharp Corporation of New Zealand Managing Director Jan Nicol was pleased that Sharp’s strong relationship with the
Racing Industry was again being underlined through this sponsorship. “We have quickly formed a very strong and mutually
beneficial relationship with the wider racing industry of New Zealand through the initial support of the New Zealand
Racing Board. To add a prestigious race such as the Sharp Telegraph to our portfolio is very satisfying and highlights
the strength of our relationship with the industry.”
Sharp have signed a sponsorship and procurement relationship with the New Zealand Racing Board and they are the primary
sponsors of Trackside’s Saturday Racing Show. In addition, Sharp has rapidly built up a strong relationship with a
number of racing clubs around the country with race sponsorships, signage rights and provision of electronic equipment.
Mike Brown said the Club was looking very positively ahead to the running of the Sharp Telegraph. “The race was won last
year by NZ Champion Sprinter/Miler of the Year GI Jane, and has already publicly been noted as the target for horses
such as Darci Brahma, Seachange and Hasta La Ciao Ciao. The Telegraph Handicap has previously held the world record for
1200m. Sharp are now sponsors of the sharpest run race in the country”.
The Telegraph Handicap is the major race on the Wellington Racing Club’s Wine and Racing Festival Raceday, which
features five Group or Listed races on its programme. The meeting is the first day of the Century City Developments
Wellington Cup Carnival run over 20, 22 and 27 January
ENDS