Advance-deposit wagering provider TwinSpires.com has signed on as title sponsor of the $1 million Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I) in a two-year partnership agreement, the New York Racing Association announced March 28.
The 90th renewal of the 1 1/8-mile race, to be run April 5 at Aqueduct Racetrack, serves as a major steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) May 3 at Churchill Downs.
"We are proud to partner with NYRA to be the title sponsor of the TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial," said Jeremy Clemons, vice president of marketing for TwinSpires.com. "The Wood Memorial has traditionally been one of the most influential prep races for the Kentucky Derby and as such we are excited to provide TwinSpires.com players from across the country an extra rooting interest through our "Wood Winback" promotion."
According to a TwinSpires.com press release, players on the site will get all of their win bets on the Wood Memorial refunded if the race winner goes on to win the 140th Kentucky Derby.
"We look forward to our players cheering on the TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial winner in the Kentucky Derby," Clemons said.
"We are delighted to partner with TwinSpires.com on Aqueduct's premier race," said Chris Kay, president and chief executive officer for NYRA.
The TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial is one of four graded stakes on Aqueduct's April 5 card, which also includes the $500,000 Carter Handicap (gr. I), $300,000 Gazelle (gr. II), and $300,000 Bay Shore (gr. III).