(Edited press release)
Shadwell Farm, sponsor of the Memorial Day feature race at Belmont Park May 25, the Shadwell Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I), will again sponsor the “Best Turned Out Horse” Award. An award of $500 will be presented to the groom of the best turned out horse participating in the Met Mile.
The award, which will be determined by a Shadwell representative in the paddock prior to the Met Mile, will be presented in the winners’ circle before the race.
“Shadwell Farm is proud to continue its partnership with the New York Racing Association by sponsoring the Shadwell Metropolitan Mile,” said Rick Nichols, Shadwell’s vice president/general manager. “The history surrounding the Met Mile approaching its 116th year and 2009 being our first year to jump on board brings another realm of energy for Shadwell.
“Shadwell has always been supportive of New York racing and the opportunity to be involved at Belmont is a wonderful honor and an exciting experience we are looking forward to.”
This is Shadwell’s first sponsorship of the Met Mile. Last year, Shadwell sponsored the Suburban Handicap, and Jose Amezcua, groom of Harlington, received the award.
Shadwell was also the presenting sponsor of Saratoga’s $1 million Travers Stakes (gr. I) in 2008. This year, the 140th running of the 1 1/4-mile Shadwell Travers for 3-year-olds will be run Aug. 29.