It counts nags with names such as Conflict of Interest, Cloudy Times, Abstinence, Endless Intrigue and Honest John among its runners, and it is the traditional curtain raiser at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Now, the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices Hurdle is among a range of high profile events and bodies, including the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, the Abbey Theatre and June's Anglo Irish Bank Regatta on the Isle of Wight, which are effectively sponsored by the taxpayer, following the government's decision to nationalise Anglo Irish Bank. A spokeswoman for the bank confirmed it owns a corporate box at Croke Park, while the website of Greystones Rugby Club – just up the road from the home of former chairman Seán FitzPatrick – last week continued to carry banner advertising for the bank.

A spokeswoman for Anglo said it is anticipated that the new board and management will review existing arrangements.

"CSR and sponsorship will be determined by the new board and management... The bank is not prepared to disclose information in relation to the cost of sponsorships," she added. "This would not be normal practice as the information is commercially sensitive and sponsorship contracts involve the parties committing to a confidential agreement."

She said the bank engages in a "small number" of commercial sponsorships, in the areas of the arts, sports and other business.

"It has long term sponsorships in place with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, the Abbey Theatre and the National Library. In 2008 it was also a co-sponsor of the Irish Museum of Modern Art's 10,000 to 50 contemporary exhibition. It is the long term sponsor of the UCC Ogham Stones Exhibition in Cork," she said.

"In sport it is an active contributor at local, grass roots level, providing support to a number of clubs. It also fund a sports scholarship scheme with the National College of Ireland. For the last three years it has also been a co-sponsor of the Taste Festivals which support the Irish food and restaurant industry.

"In addition, the Bank is a significant supportér of over 300 charities and events held on their behalf. It also has a comprehensive support programme for educational institutions from secondary schools support to university scholarship programmes."