IT HAS been announced that The Irish Timeswill sponsor the opening race at Friday's start to the three-day Open meeting at Cheltenham.

The Irish TimesAmateur Riders Handicap Chase will start at 1.15 and will be shown live on Channel 4.

"Cheltenham is synonymous with the best of jump racing in these islands and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a leading organisation," said The Irish Timescommercial director, Paul Farrell.

"It reflects our increasing commitment to the British market where our international edition continues to go from strength to strength," he added.

The Cheltenham spokesman, Peter McNeile said: "We are very pleased to be working with The Irish Times. The paper is a key communication channel to customers in Ireland and indeed the UK."