Yum! Brand looks to renew its sponsorship.
Stately Victor made a name for himself in the April 10th running of the Blue Grass when he upset the field, placing first against 40-1 odds, the least likely win in the history of the race. After that he ran the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, and despite taking 8th, his trainer Mike Maker was very satisfied with his performance. This year’s Derby had a particularly rambunctios start, and Stately Victor was shunted back, unable to pull off a come from behind like Super Saver.
This Tuesday, the 26th of May, Stately Victor did a 6 furlong work at Churchill Downs and ran a frosty 1:14.20. While many trainers decided to take their horses to the Belmont early for their final works, Stately Victor was kept in Louisville. The Belmont is noted for its deep sandy track that often gives horses some trouble getting used to.
Although Stately Victor is not one of the front runners, you cannot discount the fact that he beat 40-1 odds to win the Blue Grass. Currently he has a record of 2-1-0 out of nine races. This will be the first Belmont stakes for Stately Victor’s jockey, Mike Maker. However, he was the assistant to D. Wayne Lukas, during the stretch when Lukas rode to first in 4 out of 6 Belmont Stakes.
Yum! Brands Inc. is looking to renew it’s sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby when its contract expires this year. The relationship has been mutually beneficial during the length of the agreement, and neither party thinks that there are many obstacles that could get in their way. Yum! drew controversy over the euthanization of Barbaro and Eight Belles, but has been active in working with Churchill Downs to increase the safety of the racers.
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