The National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Breeders' Cup Limited announced that Dodge has become a marketing partner as well as the title and divisional sponsor of the Breeders' Cup Classic. The partnership makes Dodge the leading sponsor of the $14 million Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, North America's richest day of Thoroughbred racing. In addition, the automotive manufacturer will title the "Road to the World Thoroughbred Championships, Powered by Dodge" series of televised races leading up to the Breeders' Cup, airing this summer and fall on ESPN.Dodge also becomes a group purchasing partner of the NTRA, offering automotive products and services to select NTRA members. Dodge will make available to NTRA racetracks and farms special discounts on the negotiated sales price of its full line of cars, minivans, trucks and sport-utility vehicles.The multi-year Dodge agreement is the largest sponsor commitment to date for NTRA/Breeders' Cup.The Breeders' Cup Classic will be renamed the "Breeders' Cup Classic, Powered by Dodge." This year's event will be held on October 25 at the Oak Tree Meeting at Santa Anita Park near Los Angeles, as part of the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships."We are delighted to have Dodge as the title sponsor of our sport's premier racing division and our marquee event, the Breeders' Cup Classic," said NTRA commissioner Tim Smith. "This partnership demonstrates the powerful appeal that the Thoroughbred industry has to national sponsors who are seeking both mass consumer and business-to-business marketing opportunities." "Over the years, the Classic has brought together before a live television audience the best horses in the world, symbolizing the highest quality in Thoroughbred racing," said D.G. Van Clief, Jr., president of Breeders' Cup Ltd. "We salute Dodge's commitment to our sport and look forward to our partnership.""Dodge is excited to be the first automotive company to partner with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association," said Darryl Jackson, vice president – Dodge marketing, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "This is a true partnership in that Dodge and the NTRA are committed to helping each other achieve their business goals. Dodge vehicles are perfect for meeting the needs of the hard-working men and women in the horseracing industry."In addition to being the title and divisional sponsor of the "Breeders' Cup Classic, Powered by Dodge," the agreement also entitles Dodge to the following:
-- A major advertising presence on the NBC five-hour broadcast of the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on Oct. 25, the NBC Breeders' Cup Preview on Oct. 4, the ESPN series "Road to the World Thoroughbred Championships, Powered by Dodge" and the CBS "Summer Series" in June and July. In addition, Dodge will participate with NTRA in co-branded advertising to be placed in major media publications and special advertising sections; -- On-site signage and advertising benefits for all "Classic Division, Powered by Dodge" races run at NTRA member tracks leading to the Breeders' Cup; and -- Hospitality, on-site signage and vehicle displays at the Breeders' Cup.
