Turfway Park has announced that Vinery will be the title sponsor for the track’s Spiral Stakes, beginning next spring. Established in 1972, the race is a grade III prep for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).
Vinery has contracted to sponsor the Spiral for five years, with renewal considered annually after that time, according to the Turfway Park release.
Beginning with the its 40th renewal March 26, 2011, the race will be the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (gr. III) and will have total purse of $500,000.
“Vinery is committed to supporting racing,” said farm president Tom Ludt, “and we are especially pleased to be associated with a race that is a major fixture in the 3-year-old division.”
Vinery has farms in Kentucky, Florida, and New York and offers boarding, sales representation, preparation, breaking, bloodstock services, rehabilitation, and layups, as well as racing partnerships.
Previous Spiral sponsors have included the Jim Beam distillery, Lane’s End Farm, and Gallery Furniture.com.
“Turfway was a pioneer in Thoroughbred race sponsorship, and the Spiral Stakes has had strong sponsorship support since 1982,” said Turfway Park president Robert N. Elliston. “We have appreciated all the contributions to this race’s success and are proud to move forward with Vinery as we incorporate fresh ideas into this long tradition.”
Opened in 1959 as Latonia, the track was renamed in 1986 and has been owned since 1999 by the Keeneland Association and Caesars Entertainment.