Markel signs jockey champion

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sam Thomas has signed a two-year sponsorship agreement with insurer Markel International.

The deal will see the National Hunt jockey wear the Markel name on his riding clothes and act as an ambassador for the company’s growing equine business and the Markel brand as a whole.

The news comes three months after the launch of the company’s equine and livestock division at the Glorious Goodwood festival in July. Markel International had been keen to enlist the support of a leading name from racing so was delighted when Thomas accepted the offer to become the face of Markel.

Thomas, who rode 78 winners in the 2008/2009 season, finishing sixth in the National Hunt jockeys’ league table, is stable jockey to Tom George and also rides for champion trainer, Paul Nicholls, and Grand National-winning trainer, Venetia Williams. Described by Jilly Cooper, author of Riders, as the ‘Brad Pitt’ of British racing, the 25-year-old already has an impressive record which promises much for the future.

Juliet Redfern, senior underwriter for Markel International’s equine business, said: “We are thrilled to have such an accomplished jockey carrying the Markel name and representing our equine insurance and the Markel brand. We look forward to Sam’s continued success on the track and could not have a better public face for our company.”

Sam Thomas said, “Markel has a long and distinguished reputation for bloodstock in the United States, so I was delighted to be asked to represent a new equine division within Markel International in the UK. The company’s passion for racing, its commitment to bloodstock owners, and the strength of the brand all appealed to me. I am very pleased to be associated with Markel and to promote its business both on and off the track.”