BETFAIR have signed a deal with RTE to sponsor their live racing coverage for the next 13 months. The new association with Ireland’s national broadcaster gets underway this Sunday with the Fairyhouse Powers Gold Cup meeting and will run to the 2010 Punchestown Festival.  

 In total some 38 meetings, including relayed coverage of several British fixtures, will be covered under the new deal.  Betfair’s head of Irish operations Graham Ross said on Friday:  "We’re delighted to agree this deal and feel it is a very good fit for our brand, representing a real opportunity to promote Betfair to a broader audience on RTE. Ross added: "We feel it is a positive development for Irish racing to have this coverage sponsored in the medium term and look forward to making a success of it for all parties."