Bookmaker Boylesports has entered a sponsorship deal with Leopardstown, the racecourse controlled by State agency Horseracing Ireland.

Boylesports will sponsor two races at the course’s revamped January meetings and a novice steeplechase.

It is offering bonuses of up to €150,000 to the connections of any horse that wins the races and then doubles up at Cheltenham. Boylesports is due to finalise the purchase of 15 betting shops from UK chain William Hill.