Bodog.com Teams with Brother Derek for the Kentucky Derby
Date: 05/4/2006
Less than a week after unveiling its newest online horse racing software,
digital entertainment giant Bodog.com announced that it has signed an
exclusive contract to sponsor Brother Derek, the current favorite for the
132nd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
In a move that marks the first partnership of its kind, Bodog.com's brand will
be visible to thousands of spectators during Derby weekend at Churchill Downs
in Louisville, Ky. Bodog.com will be holding onsite events and will present a
$25,000 check to Brother Derek's trainer, Dan Hendricks, in support of a
charity to be named by Hendricks.
"Our involvement in an event of such magnitude clearly demonstrates our desire
to play a role in supporting America 's racing community," says Calvin Ayre,
Founder and CEO of Bodog.com, and the recent cover subject of Forbes'
"Billionaires" issue. "Plenty of excitement surrounds Brother Derek. After
having won the Santa Anita Derby, he's the betting favorite for the Kentucky
Derby and for good reason. We anticipate one heck of a weekend."
The Brother Derek racing team is comprised of owner Cecil Peacock, trainer Dan
Hendricks and jockey Alex Solis, and is managed by Florida-based Elite
Consulting. Solis, a native of Panama City, has won 20 meet riding titles,
including six consecutive meet titles during 1996-97. In 2005, he earned
$9,647,743 from 729 mounts, good for 14th place nationally. He finished second
in the Kentucky Derby three out of four years with Captain Bodgit in 1997,
Victory Gallop in 1998 and Aptitude in 2000.
Hendricks has saddled winners of nearly 70 stakes, among them almost 30 graded
events, including sending out Smooth Player to upset Excellent Meeting in the
1999 Hollywood Oaks (Grade I). Brother Derek will be Hendricks' first Derby
starter.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with one of America's fastest growing
digital entertainment brands," Hendricks says. "Bodog.com will bring
significant attention to our sport. We certainly look forward to a strong and
lasting relationship."
Brother Derek is the 3/1 favorite heading into the Derby and leads the field
in graded stakes earnings with almost $1.1 million. Nineteen other
thoroughbreds will challenge Brother Derek in his bid to become the first
California-bred to win the Kentucky Derby since 1962. Lawyer Ron, winner of
six in a row, and $940,800 in graded stakes earnings, and Barbaro, undefeated
in six career starts, with $750,000 in graded stakes earnings are considered
to be his primary competitors.
For media interested in attending the joint news conference with Calvin Ayre
and Dan Hendricks, the media event will take place on Friday at the Bodog.com
tent located in the central parking lot of Churchill Downs, starting at 12:30
p.m. local time. For more information, please contact Kal Suurkask at 1-866-
591-0217.
Triple Crown quick links:
Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - my list of the top horses headed to the Derby with profiles for each with photos, stats, and link to more info like past performances and pedigree.
Analyzing the top 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders - My annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there were is a 3-way tie for the top spot: Goldencents, Normandy Invasion, and Overanalyze.
2013 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules will be enforced this year. Be sure to read the rules as many have changed and more things are banned. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2013 - by Jim Mazur. Includes lots of stats for all 3 races and explains how to use a system of statistically derived negative angles to eliminate the "bad" picks.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.