York have secured a new sponsor for the Dante Stakes on May 14 with the race now being backed by the Tote.

The existing sponsors, Convergent Communications, have had to withdraw their support as a result of difficult trading conditions, but the Tote have stepped in to back six of the seven races on the day.

Tote chairman Peter Jones said: "We are very excited at the prospect of backing a race of the calibre of the Tote Dante Stakes.

"I'm equally delighted that we have the opportunity to further our relationship with the York Race Committee and the management of this great racecourse, which already holds one of our oldest and most valuable sponsorships in the shape of the Tote Ebor."

William Derby, new chief executive and clerk of the course on Knavesmire, added: "The Tote and York racecourse have always worked in partnership to the benefit of both parties and racing as a whole. This helps to demonstrate that a strong and healthy Tote is good news for all of us in the industry."

Updated: 11:48 Monday, April 14, 2003