Coral has ended its long-running sponsorship of the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, closing a partnership that has existed since the race was launched in 1993.

The decision has been linked directly to higher tax obligations imposed on the betting sector in the most recent budget, reinforcing industry warnings that fiscal pressure would reduce investment into racing.

Parent group Entain has framed the move as a financial decision rather than a strategic shift. With operator margins under pressure, discretionary spend has come under review, and race sponsorships have become harder to justify.

The Coral Cup exit is one of the most visible examples to date of how tax increases are translating into reduced commercial support for the sport.

The issue was the lead topic on this week’s episode of The Front Page, hosted by Maddy Playle alongside Racing Post‘s Deputy Industry Editor, Peter Scargill, and Lambourn correspondent, Liam Headd. Scargill stressed that the decision should not be dismissed as a routine marketing refresh, noting Coral’s track record of long-term sponsorship commitments across major races.

According to the three, the timing of the withdrawal confirms that warnings from betting operators during the budget debate were not rhetorical. Higher taxes have forced firms to prioritise core operations, with marketing spend and sponsorship among the first areas to be cut.

The consequence, Scargill argued, is likely to be felt beyond branding, with fewer offers and reduced value for customers as operators adjust to a tighter cost base.

Scargill also pointed to public comments from Entain executives at the time the sponsorship ended, directly linking the decision to increased tax liabilities announced late last year. The fact that Coral followed through by dropping a flagship Cheltenham race was viewed as a clear signal that the current environment leaves limited room for legacy partnerships, regardless of their heritage or profile.

The podcast also covered wider racing developments, including the successful rescheduling of Dublin Racing Festival fixtures following heavy rain, and shifting Cheltenham narratives after the Irish Gold Cup. Galopin Des Champs’ defeat prompted renewed debate over targets for Willie Mullins’ leading runners, while Constitution Hill’s unconventional preparation was analysed following an interrupted campaign.

The episode concluded with a reflection on Frankie Dettori’s retirement after his final victory in the Brazilian 2000 Guineas, drawing a line under one of racing’s most commercially influential careers.

For the betting and racing industries, Coral’s exit is a practical illustration of how tax policy is reshaping commercial relationships, with fewer guarantees that long-standing sponsorships will survive in a higher-cost regulatory environment.