One of the world’s great turf races will be named the Ricoh Woodbine Mile after Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and Ricoh Canada Inc. reached an agreement on a two-year sponsorship.
The ‘Mile,’ one of the shining gems on Woodbine’s thoroughbred stakes calendar, is a destination race for many of North America’s top mile turf horses and has spawned champions over its 14-year history.
The 15th edition of the race in 2011 is scheduled for September and will carry a $1 million-plus purse for the 13th straight year.
Ricoh, previously a sponsor of Woodbine’s Highlander Stakes and one of the world’s cutting-edge technology companies, is proud of its association with WEG and the Ricoh Woodbine Mile.
“Ricoh is excited to continue with the WEG relationship. Woodbine offers a top tier experience, and draws on a rich and storied history that is immediately apparent in the quality of their operations. The partnerships we engage in reflect Ricoh’s drive for best-in-class performances, particularly in the field of Customer Experience – an area that is of paramount importance to Ricoh,” said Glenn Laverty, President & CEO of Ricoh Canada Inc.
“Ricoh is a well-respected company that sponsors a number of elite sporting events around the world,” said Glenn Crouter, Vice-President of Media Relations and Sponsorship. “For Ricoh to use the Woodbine Mile in a continuing effort to raise their profile is a reflection of Woodbine’s status in sports.”
WEG boasts the strongest stable of sponsors in racing. Along with Ricoh, Budweiser, Labatt Breweries of Canada, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Pattison Outdoor Advertising, Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd., Ontario Tourism and VTech Telecommunications Canada Ltd. have race sponsorships and/or marketing arrangements with WEG.
Among the sport’s champions that ran in the Woodbine Mile are Leroidesanimaux (2005 Eclipse turf male champion) and Canadian Horses of the Year, Soaring Free (2004) and Quiet Resolve (2000).
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