Coral apes Hollywood's golden age for Cheltenham push

LONDON – Coral Betting is plundering Hollywood's golden age in an integrated campaign centred on the Cheltenham Festival, the UK's biggest steeplechase and hurdle racing event.

The promotion, created by WPP Group agency 141 Worldwide/London, will direct gamblers to Coral's 1,200-plus shops and telephone betting operation.

In an attempt to convey the epic nature of the Cheltenham meet, in-store and direct mail materials will show the word "Cheltenham" written in cinematic blockbuster style. Frontrunner horses will be portrayed as the stars.

Steve Harding, CEO of 141 Worldwide/London, said: "Our approach centres on building excitement and anticipation before the event begins as well as driving momentum throughout the festival itself, via creative tactics which focus on the racing highlights."

Gala Group Holdings bought Coral for £2.18bn last October, combining it with its casinos and bingo halls. Coral Eurobet, as it was then known, was previously owned by private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners and company managers.

The move was part of Gala chairman John Kelly's aim to play a major part in the consolidation of the UK gambling industry. Rivals William Hill, which bought Stanley Leisure's betting offices in June, and Hilton Group's Ladbrokes currently lead the field.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .

You have

[DAYS_LEFT] Days left

of your free trial

Subscribe now

Get a team licence 

 Give your teams unrestricted access to in-depth editorial analysis, breaking news and premium reports with a bespoke subscription to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10.

Find out more

Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Market Reports.

Find out more

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an Alert Now