NEWS
UPS to sponsor Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown’s team
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 6:46 PM
UPS will be the exclusive marketing partner of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Big Brown’s team of jockey Kent Desormeaux and owner IEAH Stables.
The agreement was made shortly after Big Brown’s dominating 4 3/4-length victory in the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs. Desormeaux carried the UPS logo during the 134th Kentucky Derby aboard Big Brown. Desormeaux, IEAH Stables, and Big Brown will continue to carry the UPS colors throughout the Triple Crown.
"This is such a thrilling time for our entire ownership team and we are extremely honored to have a company like UPS along for the ride," said Michael Iavarone, co-president and chief executive officer of International Equine Acquisitions Holdings Inc., which owns IEAH Stables. "Having a Kentucky Derby winning-horse is a dream come true. Competing for a Triple Crown title is the thrill of a lifetime and we'll be supporting 'Brown' all the way."
Big Brown was named by his original owner Paul Pompa Jr., who co-owns the Boundary colt, after he renewed a contract with UPS Freight in 2007 for his Brooklyn New York-based Truck-Rite Corp. Pompa named Big Brown in honor of Atlanta-based UPS, the world’s largest package delivery company.
“The Big Brown story is a compelling one that has resonated globally across UPS with our more than 425,000 employees worldwide," said Ron Rogowski, UPS's director of sponsorship. “We've enjoyed some tremendous associations through our sponsorship platforms and to be able to be linked to a Kentucky Derby champion is an honor for our company and our employees. We look forward to supporting Big Brown in his Triple Crown quest.”
