Two charitable entities of The Jockey Club Foundation will benefit from a sponsorship arrangement between the Maserati car company and Orb , the even-money favorite for the May 18 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Stuart S. Janney III, who bred and races Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Orb in partnership with the Phipps Stable, said May 16 that the Maserati sponsorship will benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation.
The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation supports research projects aimed at enhancing the health and safety of horses. The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation is a charitable trust created to provide financial relief to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families.
Janney and Odgen Mills "Dinny" Phipps are both stewards of The Jockey Club. They had previously announced that donors who make a contribution of $50 or more to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation would receive an official Orb baseball cap from the colt's owners.
"We really want those two causes to do well and we think not only will this money be helpful in that regard but also may stimulate other people to support those causes," Janney said at Pimlico Race Course after watching Orb on the track.
Orb was wearing a blanket that bore the Maserati name and some employees of trainer Shug McGaughey also had clothing that promoted the luxury car brand.
Janney declined to disclose the amount of the sponsorship.
"They were very generous and it is a meaningful contribution," Janney said. "Maserati came to us. They wanted to do this. They are a wonderful company and I am glad they are doing this because both are worthy causes.
"I think his (Orb's) blanket is very good looking," a relaxed Janney said, before jokingly adding, "They haven't come to me with a car. If the car comes, I will put the blanket on."