Bookmaker Backs All Six Races Including Two Group 3 Highlights
Independent bookmaker Star Sports has been unveiled as the title sponsor for all six races at the Brigadier Gerard Evening at Sandown Park on Thursday, 29 May 2025. The announcement marks a significant step in the company’s growing commitment to British racing, furthering its presence in high-profile events following its recent Brighton Owners Series initiative and international expansion.
Among the races supported by Star Sports are two of the Flat season’s standout early-summer contests: the Group 3 Henry II Stakes and the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes. The latter boasts a rich history, with 2023 winner Hukum going on to claim top honours in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, underscoring the calibre of talent the race attracts.
An Evening of Heritage and Accessibility
Dubbed “London’s Night at the Races,” the Brigadier Gerard Evening combines elite sport with a festive summer atmosphere. Sandown Park’s proximity to the capital—just a 30-minute direct train from London Waterloo—makes it an ideal midweek outing for racing fans and newcomers alike.
The racing programme will run from 6:05pm to 8:40pm, with gates opening at 4:15pm, allowing attendees to enjoy a full evening of entertainment in one of Flat racing’s most atmospheric settings.
Strategic Growth for Star Sports
Flynn Goward, Managing Director at Star Sports, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Brigadier Gerard Evening from Sandown is always one of the great evening meetings of the Flat season, and we’re delighted to be sponsoring all six races on the card for the first time. Watching such marquee races from our racecourse pitch at Sandown and from our office in Hove will give us all at Star a great sense of pride.”
This partnership follows a busy year for the Brighton-based bookmaker, which included an entry into the Australian market and the appointment of Sir Philip Davies as Group Chairman in late 2024.
Sandown Park Welcomes New Sponsor
Sarah Drabwell, General Manager of Sandown Park, highlighted the significance of the event:
“The Brigadier Gerard Evening has long held a distinguished place in the Flat racing calendar, regularly drawing top-class horses and serious racing interest. With Star Sports supporting the entire fixture, we look forward to staging a race night of real quality just a short journey from central London.”
The collaboration not only reinforces the enduring appeal of Sandown’s Brigadier Gerard meeting but also solidifies Star Sports’ reputation as a proactive supporter of British horseracing across multiple tiers.
