Swiss Watchmaking Brand Is Already Official Watch and Timekeeper of Kentucky Derby 139

Louisville (KY, USA) / Saint-Imier (Switzerland) Monday, April 29, 2013 – Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the world famous Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, has entered into a long-term agreement with internationally renowned Swiss watchmaker Longines to serve as Entitlement Partner of the Kentucky Oaks and to retain its role as Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby. As a result of its existing and expanded partnership, the Kentucky Oaks has been renamed the “Longines Kentucky Oaks,” and Longines is the Official Timekeeper of Churchill Downs Racetrack. Longines will host multiple events surrounding Longines Kentucky Oaks Day, Friday, May 3, 2013, and the famed “Run for the Roses,” Saturday, May 4, 2013.

As it has in the past, Longines will award watches from the elegant Longines Saint-Imier Collection to the winning horses’ owner, trainer and jockey on both race days. A Longines digital countdown clock is currently featured on the Churchill Downs website, www.KentuckyDerby.com, as the official countdown to the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” Represented by tennis legend and longtime Ambassador of Elegance Stefanie Graf, Longines will have a strong presence throughout Churchill Downs and other Derby-affiliated events including Taste of Derby, the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest and the Winner’s Party. Additionally, Longines will sponsor the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile presented by Longines on Kentucky Derby afternoon and will have timepieces and branded clocks on display throughout the Churchill Downs facility. The brand’s logo will also be prominently featured on the official Kentucky Derby Red Carpet, racetrack and other surrounding areas.

Longines Kentucky Oaks 139 is the Kentucky Derby’s $1 million companion race for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles and is televised on NBC Sports from 5-6 p.m. (ET) The Longines Kentucky Oaks features a “Ladies First” theme, continuing the “Pink Out!” tradition which encourages all attendees to wear pink to the track. The Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest will celebrate elegant Derby style and will award one lucky woman who successfully models her own personal ensemble on the “pink carpet” a stainless steel and rose gold Longines Saint-Imier Collection watch featuring a stunning diamond bezel.

“Longines Kentucky Oaks Day is all about the ladies,” said Churchill Downs President and CEO Kevin Flanery. “Our female fans continue to respond favorably to the new traditions of fashion and fun that we have been bringing them over these last few years, and we feel that the elegant Longines brand is a natural fit for the feminine spirit of the Longines Kentucky Oaks.”

“Our passion at Longines is equestrian sports, so we are delighted to return for a third year as the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby and to expand our partnership to include the Longines Kentucky Oaks,” said Longines President Walter von Känel. “This partnership embodies the Longines brand image and philosophy stated in its slogan ‘Elegance is an attitude.’”