NetJets, the world’s leading private aviation company, has reached an agreement with the New York Racing Association for an extensive, multi-tiered presence at Saratoga Race Course for the 2008 racing season, which runs from July 23 to Sept. 1. The deal includes under-the-rail signage, race sponsorship, and hospitality, and was reached in conjunction with ABC Regional Sports Sales.
The company’s “NetJets Flying to the Finish” under-the-rail signage will be visible at the finish of every race on the main track at Saratoga. The signage consists of multiple panels and comprises the area from the rail to the ground, spanning 25 yards back from the finish line. Such an offering has never before been made by NYRA at Saratoga.
In addition, NetJets will sponsor the world’s premier grade I dirt sprint for three-year-olds, the August 23 NetJets King’s Bishop (gr. I). The winning owner of the King’s Bishop will receive $50,000 worth of flight time from NetJets.
“Saratoga is a prominent summer racing venue, and NetJets is proud to become its partner,” said Richard Santulli, Chairman and CEO of NetJets Inc. “The King’s Bishop has established itself as one of the most important fixtures for future stallions, and we look forward to a long association with the event.”
NetJets will also be afforded special access to Saratoga in a premium hospitality package. “A partnership between NetJets and Saratoga seemed like a natural fit to us,” said Santulli. “I look forward to making Saratoga a preferred destination for my NetJets Owners.”
Santulli has been involved in the Thoroughbred racing industry for more than 24 years. He is a Trustee of NYRA and has been a trustee of The Jockey Club since 2004. As managing general partner of Jayeff “B” Stables, he raced Eclipse Champion and TVG Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) winner Safely Kept.
“This partnership symbolizes our belief that it is a natural fit for premium brands to align their interests,” said Charlie Hayward, NYRA President and Chief Executive Officer. “NetJets is the pre-eminent private aviation company in the world, and shares NYRA’s commitment to providing its customers with the best available products and services.”
John Watkins, President of ABC National Television Sales, which encompasses ABC Regional Sports Sales, added: “As a world-class track in an internationally-known and historic resort area, Saratoga provides an ideal venue for NetJets to widen its advertising and sponsorship reach to new and ongoing customers.”
