The Racing Post has been confirmed as the new sponsor of the Arkle Chase on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
The novice chase is traditionally the second race on the card and for the last number of years has carried the Irish Independent banner, but the newspaper group ended their association with the two-mile contest in 2011 following Captain Chris' victory.
The Racing Post have stepped in to take over the sponsorship, much to the delight of both the newspaper's editor Bruce Millington and Cheltenham's director of sponsorship Peter McNeile.
"Racing Post is thrilled to be returning to the Cheltenham Festival as a sponsor this year. We have been looking for the right opportunity and to be associated with as prestigious a race as the Arkle Chase seems very fitting," Millington said.
"The intended line-up for this year's race is mouth-watering and we are very excited at the prospect of an enthralling contest on the first day of the festival."
McNeile added: "Cheltenham and Jockey Club Racecourses are delighted to welcome back Racing Post as a sponsor at Cheltenham, and particularly the festival.
"We have always had a good relationship with the Racing Post team, who continue to work with us on the Festival magazine, and I'm sure that their backing of this historic race can only add to the excitement in the build-up to March 13."
This year's renewal could see last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Al Ferof take on the likes of Peddlers Cross and Menorah.