Margaret Hiers of Marietta, Ga., was named the winner of the California Chrome Breeders’ Cup Sweepstakes, it was announced Oct. 28 by California Chrome LLC, Perry and Denise Martin, Taylor Made Stallions. Hiers' prize package includes two Breeders' Cup tickets and two round-trip commercial flights to Los Angeles to attend next week's World Championships at Santa Anita.
Hiers' name was drawn from a pool of contestants that spanned 48 of the 50 states. The contest raised $25,050, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the V Foundation for Cancer Research—one of the nation's leading cancer research funding organizations.
"I am so thankful to the wonderful people associated with California Chrome for this opportunity, and I am unbelievably excited to get to go to the Breeders' Cup," said Hiers, a lifelong racing fan. "I'm a big fan and actually went to the ($1 Million TVG) Pacific Classic (Stakes, gr. I) this summer, which was my first time (at) Del Mar. I was blown away by how easy he won without even breaking a sweat. Everybody was cheering for Chrome.
"I've also appreciated the conjoining of California Chrome and the V Foundation. We all have had family and loved ones affected by cancer, and this was too good of a cause for me to pass up."
"We are elated the California Chrome Breeders' Cup Sweepstakes contest was extremely well received, so much so that it was able to raise over $25,000 that will all go to benefit our charitable partners at the V Foundation for Cancer Research," said Duncan Taylor, president and CEO of Taylor Made. "I can speak for all of Team Chrome when I say that we're excited for Mrs. Hiers and looking forward to meeting her and having her as our guest next. We hope it will be a magical and memorable experience for everyone."
Hiers' trip includes two Breeders' Cup tickets for Nov. 5th at Santa Anita Park, two round-trip commercial flights to Los Angeles, two nights hotel stay, a meet and greet with Team Chrome, two paddock-area passes for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), and—should California Chrome win the Classic—access to the winner's circle and post-race celebration. Hiers will also receive a VIP experience and tour at Taylor Made Farm upon California Chrome's retirement from racing, and other prizes.
