The Grand National at Aintree is to be sponsored by John Smith's ale in a new multi-million pound deal.
Earlier this year, Martell announced it would end its 12-year association with the big race.
The new deal for the three-day National meeting will begin with the fixture which takes place from 7-9 April, 2005.
Racecourse managing director Charles Barnett said he was "extremely excited" by the agreement with brewers Scottish & Newcastle.
The sponsor has an option to extend for a further three years.
Barnett said: "We are confident that fresh ideas and new associations will help us to
continue to consolidate and build the Grand National meeting as the nation's
favourite sporting occasion."
John Smith's has been associated with horse racing since 1959 when backing
Britain's first big sponsored Flat race, the Magnet Cup at York.
The brand also sponsors other major races, including the Northumberland Plate and Midlands Grand National.
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