"We're going to be looking for a top-notch sponsor for that race," Williams said. "It probably will not have a sponsor this fall."Three Chimneys, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clay, has sponsored the Spinster for several years. Keeneland has had success in landing race sponsors -- from within the Thoroughbred industry and outside of it -- with about 10 for major events held during its spring and fall meets.The sponsorship agreement between Three Chimneys and Churchill is the first between the Louisville, Ky., track and one of Kentucky's Thoroughbred breeding farms.
Churchill Downs picked up a sponsor, and Keeneland lost one.Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky., recently announced it would sponsor the $100,000 2-year-old stakes formerly known as the WHAS-11 Stakes at Churchill on May 5, Kentucky Derby Day. As a result, the farm will not sponsor the grade I Spinster Stakes at Keeneland this fall.Jim Williams, director of public relations at Keeneland, confirmed that Three Chimneys wouldn't sponsor the Spinster, a $500,000 test for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt.
