Pub-goers are to be invited to take a share in a race horse as part of a major new promotion from John Smith's.
Every drinker buying a pint of John Smith's in pubs from January 2010 will be invited to take up part-ownership of Smithy the horse, a three-year old gelding from 2003 Derby winner Kris Krin. Smithy's owners would then be able to vote on key decisions on his progress, such as which meetings he should race at, as well as getting regular updates on the progress of the horse.
Brand owner Scottish & Newcastle UK (S&N) said the promotion would demystify the Sport of Kings and give John Smith's drinkers an 'insiders' view' of racing. It replaces the John Smith's People's Race which has been run for the past three years.
S&N brands director Mark Given said:" We are tremendously excited by the prospect of Smithy the Horse bringing a new dimension to our racing activity and a new audience to the sport.
"Extensive research undertaken with John Smith's drinkers tells us that they relish the chance to share in the ownership of a racehorse and Smithy will meet that desire in every way."
The announcement comes as brand owner Scottish & Newcastle UK revealed plans to renew its sponsorship of the Grand National. With the current agreement entering the final furlong next year, the new deal runs for three years from 2011.
Given added: "We are delighted with the contribution the sponsorship has made towards reinforcing John Smith's position as Britain's number one ale.
"We look forward to working with the Aintree team to grow and develop still further the world's best-known steeplechase between now and 2013."