Royal Ascot clocks its first sponsor with £7m deal

Royal Ascot is to be sponsored for the first time in its 302-year history after striking a five-year, £7 million deal with Swiss watchmaker Longines.

The five-day race meeting is to have its first “official partner”, but will not be renamed like other events, such as the RBS Six Nations. Instead, a giant chronometer will be put at the winning post to display race times and course records, and the parade ring will feature a Longines clock. The meeting will be held from June 18 to 22.