AFP
UPS hitches up with Derby winner Big Brown

Fri May 9, 7:34 PM ET

ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP) - Shipping company UPS is betting on Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown to deliver again.

UPS Friday announced a marketing deal with jockey Kent Desormeaux and the owners of Big Brown, who defied history to win the Kentucky Derby last Saturday.

Named in honor of UPS, which is known throughout the United States for its distinctive brown trucks, Big Brown was originally owned by Paul Pompa jnr, who sold a 75 percent share of the colt to IEAH Stables for some three million dollars.

"Having a Kentucky Derby-winning horse is a dream come true," IEAH Stables executive Michael Iavarone said. "Competing for a Triple Crown title is the thrill of a lifetime, and we'll be supporting 'Brown' all the way."

As part of the deal, Desormeaux will wear the UPS corporate logo on his racing pants during the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, the second and third legs of US flat racing's Triple Crown.

A three-time Kentucky Derby winner, Desormeaux also will wear a UPS cap immediately following both races.

"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," said Ron Rogowski, UPS's director of sponsorship. "We look forward to supporting Big Brown in his Triple Crown quest."

Big Brown remained unbeaten in four career starts with his impressive 4 3/4 length triumph in the 134th Kentucky Derby.

The colt became the first Derby winner from post 20 since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929.

"Anything is possible, and I think we've been able to prove just that," Desormeaux said. "A horse wasn't supposed to be able to win the Derby in just his fourth start, and a horse wasn't supposed to be able to win from the 20th position."

Now Big Brown will try to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. The next step will be the Preakness States on May 17.

"We've had tremendous odds against us, but in the end, the talent and the heart of this horse has overcome everything," Desormeaux said. "I believe that Big Brown can deliver again, and we're going to try to prove just that."

RECOMMEND THIS STORY

Recommend It:

Average (Not Rated)

0.0 stars
» Recommended Stories