A new sponsor of the July Cup was announced on Friday.

Pertemps Network will take over sponsorship of the July Cup which is held on Saturday 15th July as part of Newmarket's three-day July festival.

They are a familiar name for many racegoers due to the sponsorship of the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle at The Cheltenham Festival since 2002 and the St Leger during the 1990s.

"We are delighted to welcome Pertemps Network as the sponsor of the July Cup in 2023," said Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses & International Director at The Jockey Club.

"Pertemps Network has a long and proud association with The Jockey Club stretching back over 20 years and it is great that they have made the decision to return to sponsorship of Group One Flat racing.

"The Pertemps Network July Cup is always a great spectacle and looks all set to be another marvellous contest this year, as three year old and older sprinters lock horns for the first time at Group One level."

Tim Watts, Lifetime President of Pertemps Network, said: "The July Cup is one of the most historic sprint races in England and we are delighted to have our name associated with it.

"Pertemps Network itself has a significant pedigree for backing British racing and we are very much looking forward to the Newmarket event next month."

With a total prize fund of £600,000, the Pertemps Network July Cup attracts the best sprinters from across Europe and further afield.

The first and second home in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, Shaquille and Little Big Bear, currently head the market for the six furlong contest at 9/4 and 7/2.

Azure Blue is the best supported of the older horses at 5/1 following her Group 2 Clipper Stakes victory.