UPS to Double Down on Brown

"Big Brown” jumped on the Big Brown train and is gearing up for more. UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced a marketing agreement with jockey Kent Desormeaux and IEAH Stables, the ownership group for Kentucky Derby Champion Big Brown, that makes UPS the exclusive marketing partner of the "Big Brown” team. The agreement was struck shortly after the running of the 134th Kentucky Derby, in which Big Brown cruised to a convincing, more than four-length victory on May 3. UPS began its Big Brown association during the 134th "Run for the Roses” by sponsoring Desormeaux in his quest to become a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby. Desormeaux, IEAH Stables and Big Brown will fly the UPS colors during their bid to become just the 12th Triple Crown winner. "This is such a thrilling time for our entire ownership team and we are extremely honored to have a company like UPS along for the ride,” said Michael Iavarone, co-president and CEO of International Equine Acquisitions Holdings, Inc., which owns IEAH Stables. "Having a Kentucky Derby winning-horse is a dream come true. Competing for a Triple Crown title is the thrill of a lifetime and we’ll be supporting ‘Brown’ all the way.” Big Brown remains undefeated, having won all four of his races by a combined total of more than 33 lengths. The UPS relationship with Desormeaux and the Big Brown ownership team evolved organically through the story behind the horse’s name. Paul Pompa Jr., owner of Truck-Rite Corp. in Brooklyn, N.Y., is the original owner of the horse. After renewing a contract with UPS Freight in 2007, Pompa celebrated by naming his newly purchased thoroughbred Big Brown. Desormeaux goes into the upcoming 133rd Preakness as a Kentucky Derby winner for the third time. Entering into the second leg of the Triple Crown races, Desormeaux is well aware of the pressure and media attention that follow a Triple Crown contender. Desormeaux came close to accomplishing the feat in 1998 aboard Real Quiet, who came up a nose short of completing the trifecta when Victory Gallop edged him out in the Belmont Stakes. It has been 30 years since Affirmed became the 11th horse to win the Triple Crown and the challenges are endless. "Anything is possible and I think we’ve been able to prove just that,” Desormeaux said. "A horse wasn’t supposed to be able to win the Derby in just his fourth start and a horse wasn’t supposed to be able to win from the 20th position. We’ve had tremendous odds against us but in the end the talent and the heart of this horse has overcome everything. I believe that Big Brown can deliver again and we’re going to try to prove just that.” UPS became the Official Delivery Company of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) in 2006 and has created cross promotions with its NASCAR sponsorship such as the "Off to the Races Delivered by UPS” program. The sponsorship of Desormeaux and the Big Brown ownership team is an extension of the company’s horse racing sponsorships. "The Big Brown story is a compelling one that has resonated globally across UPS with our more than 425,000 employees worldwide,” said Ron Rogowski, UPS’s director of sponsorship. "We’ve enjoyed some tremendous associations through our sponsorship platforms and to be able to be linked to a Kentucky Derby champion is an honor for our company and our employees. We look forward to supporting Big Brown in his Triple Crown quest.” Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services. Each day, the UPS pit crew of more than 425,000 dedicated employees delivers to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS is the owner of the trademarks "Brown,” "Big Brown” and "What Can Brown Do For You?” Use of these marks for limited purposes is obtained by written permission. For more information, log onto www.racing.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.