Big Brown Triple Crown . com

The New York Racing Association announced on Friday that the Hooters restaurant chain will not be allowed to sponsor Jockey Kent Desormeaux. The NYRA said that it would be a conflict with a competing sponsor. Hooters VP of Marketing, Mike McNeil, was clearly displeased with the decision indicating that no conflict existed earlier in the week when the deal was made. He added that their treatment of Desormeaux (allegedly threatening him with fines and suspension) was "just mean."

AP: Hooters out as Big Brown sponsor

....The New York Racing Association told Hooters on Friday that the chain won't be allowed to sponsor Desormeaux because of a conflict with a competing NYRA sponsor. NYRA told the owners of the chain it would announce a new sponsor before the race. Hooters said no conflict existed when the owners submitted for sponsorship earlier this week......more

UPDATE: Friday the NYRA told Hooters they will not be allowed to sponsor Desormeaux - posting above (June 6)
It was announced today that Hooters will join in the sponsorship of Jockey Kent Desormeaux for Belmont Day. UPS had been the sole sponsor until the deal was announced. Kelly Wietsma, public relations manager for Desormeaux and IEAH, told the Daily news that UPS was given the opportunity to be an exclusive sponsor, but turned it down. Despite rumors to the contrary, no Hooters waitress will be present in the winners circle f Big Brown wins the race.

Blood-Horse - Claire Novak: Hooters Picks up Desormeaux Sponsorship

Contrary to previously published reports, no Hooters girls will join Big Brown in the winner's circle should he win the Triple Crown. "Reports of a corporate Hooters presence on the grounds and winners’ circle at Belmont Park are in error,” said Gavin Landry, a spokesman for the New York Racing Association (NYRA), which runs Belmont Park. “The reported sponsorship with Hooters has no contractual basis in fact with NYRA.".....more

Big Brown arrived today at Pimlico. He was later than expected after a flight delay, but arrived composed and ready to go with a police and UPS truck escort. Trainer Rick Dutrow was very happy with the trip. Watch the video here:



Blood-Horse: Big Brown Arrives at Pimlico

....Shortly after 8 p.m., the police escort which had guided the van carrying Big Brown from the airport dispersed and the horse calmly took up residence amid a host of TV cameras and reporters. Trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr., who rode in the van, said there were "no problems" with the transport from Kentucky. "This was clockwork.".....more

Like any true A-lister, he kept the masses waiting for hours. Then Big Brown made his grand entrance.....more

UPS finally made the inevitable decision to team up with Big Brown. The horse was named for UPS by co-owner Paul Pompa Jr to celebrate a contract renewal between UPS Freight and his Brooklyn-based trucking company, Truck-Rite Corp. in 2007. UPS has been involved with the NTRA and horse racing since before that time.

Blood-Horse: UPS Becomes Big Brown Marketing Partner

...The agreement was struck shortly after the running of the May 3 Kentucky Derby, in which Big Brown cruised to a convincing victory. UPS began its association with the son of Boundary during the 134th Run for the Roses by sponsoring his jockey, Desormeaux, in his quest to become a three-time Derby winner......more

...The pageantry of the quest, and the fact that Big Brown is undefeated since his debut last year, adds the drama of sports competition to an already seductive promotional campaign for UPS. But the bet is risky. The death of the filly Eight Belles after she finished second to Big Brown at the Kentucky Derby left a dark cloud over horse racing. ......more