(May 16, 2008) – Louisville-based UPS employees are expected to deliver strong support for their namesake Big Brown on Saturday at Churchill Downs as the historic racetrack hosts a “UPS Day at the Races” in conjunction with a simulcast of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course.
Unbeaten Kentucky Derby 134 champ Big Brown is the 1-2 morning line favorite against 11 rivals in the 133rd running of the $1 million Preakness Stakes (Grade I) and will continue his attempt to become horse racing’s first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
On Saturday at Churchill Downs, UPS employees and their guests will receive free general admission at a Gate 10 registration table located next to a UPS truck. Sections 115 and 116 will be available for UPS employees and their guests to enjoy a day at the races.
Employees also will have an opportunity to choose between a free program, a complementary food voucher or to enter prize drawings for either a trip to the June 7 Belmont Stakes in New York if Big Brown wins the Preakness or a unique Kentucky Derby 134/Big Brown gift basket.
Also, ESPN will broadcast live “cut-ins” of UPS employees and Kentucky racing enthusiasts celebrating the day from the Churchill Downs paddock area during their Preakness Day telecast at approximately 2:30 p.m. (all times Eastern) and 4:45 p.m.
Admission gates will open at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and the first of 10 live races is 1:15 p.m. The simulcast of the Preakness Stakes is set for 6:15 p.m. following the final live race of the day.
Last week, UPS announced a marketing agreement with jockey Kent Desormeaux and IEAH Stables, the majority ownership group for Big Brown, to make UPS the exclusive marketing partner of the “Big Brown” team.
Big Brown, named after the world’s largest package delivery company, will fly the UPS colors in the Preakness. Minority owner Paul Pompa Jr., who operates the Truck-Rite Corp. in Brooklyn, N.Y., named the colt after renewing a contract with UPS Freight in 2007.
“Big Brown circles the track almost as fast as UPS aircraft circle the globe,” said UPS spokesman Mike Mangeot. “We’re a great combination, a solid exacta box, and we’re proud to be sponsoring the Big Brown team in the Preakness. Our own Big Brown team will be coming out in force to cheer our horse to victory.”
- 30 -