Chepstow secure Coral extension

Coral bookmakers have extended their sponsorship of the £100,000 Welsh National at Chepstow.The new four-year deal takes its support of the staying handicap chase up to the end of 2012 - the 40th year of the firm's involvement. The announcement comes as Chepstow's owner Northern Racing have agreed with the BBC to continue live coverage of the Welsh National for three more years up to and including the renewal in 2012.Tony Kelly, Northern Racing's group managing director, said: "We are thrilled to announce the continuing sponsorship of Coral who are showing real commitment, not only to Chepstow racecourse but also to one of the great annual sporting occasions in Wales as well as jump racing in general."Coral's director of communications Simon Clare said: "We are delighted to maintain our high profile involvement in a highlight of National Hunt racing over Christmas."Our sponsorship of the Welsh National goes all the way back to 1973, and we are very proud of our long association with the race."The race has been a decent guide to the John Smith's Grand National in recent times as this year's Aintree winner Mon Mome was runner-up at Chepstow in 2006, while Silver Birch took the ultimate prize two seasons after his Welsh victory in 2004.This winter's Coral Welsh National will be held on Bank Holiday on Monday December 28, a day later than usual.