Advance deposit wagering outlet Xpressbet announced will sponsor the West Virginia Derby (gr. II) Aug. 2 at the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, W.Va.
The $750,000 contest for 3-year-olds will be broadcast live nationally on the Fox Sports Network.
The West Virginia Derby is a 1 1/8-mile race that annually attracts a strong cast of top national 3-year-olds, many of whom participated in Triple Crown races or key Triple Crown prep events.
"The West Virginia Derby always attracts a spirited crowd of racing enthusiasts, and we're eager to provide handicapping insights and the opportunity to easily play the races online or over the phone to attendees, horseplayers, and fans watching across the country on the Fox Sports Network," said Kerry Carlson, Xpressbet vice president of marketing, in an announcement released July 10.
"Additionally, we're very excited to partner with the MTR Gaming Group to help showcase one of the nation's premier racing and wagering events. They do an incredible job of promoting and supporting live horse racing in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio," Carlson added.
"We are pleased that Xpressbet will sponsor the West Virginia Derby and join with Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in celebrating this historic race," Chris Kern, Mountaineer general manager, said. "We expect race players to welcome the convenience of betting the Derby online, by phone or mobile device on August 2nd."
