Rachael Blackmore, Fuse, Cole Palmer News & Updates
Industry Moves and Developments: September 26, 2024
Table of Contents
this overview details recent appointments, strategic initiatives, and project milestones across the sports and entertainment industry, as of September 26, 2024.
Cheltenham Racecourse Appoints rachael Blackmore to Boost Female participation
Cheltenham Racecourse has appointed retired jockey rachael blackmore as Head of Ladies Day, a strategic move to increase female engagement in horse racing. Blackmore, who retired in May 2024 after a groundbreaking career – becoming the first woman to win the cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle, and leading rider at the Festival – will collaborate with the racecourse ahead of the 2025 Festival.
The appointment addresses a recognized need for greater inclusivity. Data from the Jockey Club reveals that women currently comprise approximately 25% of Cheltenham Racecourse attendees, with further research indicating manny women perceive horse racing as an uninviting environment.
Guy Lavender, cheltenham’s Chief Executive, emphasized blackmore’s broad appeal, stating she resonates with both dedicated racing fans and a wider general audience.
Fuse Strengthens rights Consultancy with Matt bailey Hire
Sports and entertainment marketing agency Fuse has appointed Matt Bailey as Managing Partner within its Rights consultancy division. Bailey joins from Octagon, where he served as Head of Brand Partnerships, bringing over 20 years of experience working with prominent brands like Amazon, Cisco, UPS, and Sony, and also major rights holders including UEFA, The FA, and the NBA.
Reporting to Lucy Basden-Smith, Bailey will lead a client portfolio within the Rights Consultancy division, contributing to new business progress and product innovation. His career began at IMG before a 14-year tenure at Octagon and a subsequent role at Leo Burnett.
In a fragmented marketplace, the brands that break through are the ones that connect to culture – showing up where interests thrive, not just where impressions are bought. Fuse stands apart in its ability to translate these interests into authentic brand experiences.
Louise Johnson, Global CEO of Fuse, highlighted Bailey’s strategic mindset and client relationship skills as key assets for the agency’s continued growth.
Cole Palmer Secures trademark Protection for Brand Assets
Chelsea and England footballer Cole Palmer has successfully registered several UK trademarks, including his name, signature, the nickname “Cold Palmer,” a photographic portrait, and a motion mark of his signature goal festivity. Corresponding EU applications have also been granted, with the exception of the portrait request, wich is still pending.
The applications,handled by law firm Mills & Reeve,aim to protect Palmer’s personal brand and control the commercial use of his image and likeness. Alex Newman, a partner at Mills & Reeve, clarified that the trademarks are not intended to prevent others from replicating the goal celebration but rather to safeguard Palmer’s commercial rights.
London lions Advance arena Plan with Completion of Phase One
The London Lions basketball team has completed the first phase of its plan to build a new arena in London. A study, conducted with The Sports Consultancy and trivandi, confirms the viability and demand for a large-scale arena capable of hosting basketball and other events.
The project aligns with the Mayor of London’s support for a permanent basketball home in the city. Independent analysis projects an economic impact exceeding £3.4 billion over 13 years and the creation of approximately 10,000 jobs. The arena is envisioned to host around 40 basketball games annually, alongside over 100 other sports and cultural events.
A proposed community arena will serve as the home for the London Lions women’s team and provide training facilities for youth basketball development.
| Projected Economic Impact | Job Creation |
|---|---|
| £3.4 billion+ (over 13 years) | ~10,000 |
we will continue to harness the huge popularity of basketball to create positive opportunities for young people, attract new fans to the sport and host even more major events, which will provide a meaningful boost to the economy and help build a better, healthier and more prosperous London for everyone.
Lenz balan, CEO of the London Lions, emphasized the importance of a dedicated home for basketball in London.
