Under this new agreement, which was officially signed by both parties today at Longines’ headquarters in St. Imier, the Swiss watch brand has the great pleasure to lend its name to one of the feature races of Kentucky Derby weekend, the Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile.

Today marks an important milestone in Longines’ involvement in horse racing in the United States, as the Swiss watch brand has announced the renewal of its long-term partnership with Churchill Downs Racetrack, which started in 2011. Longines will continue its role as the Official Partner, Timekeeper and Watch of the Kentucky Derby and the Title Partner, Timekeeper and Watch of the Longines Kentucky Oaks, on May 4-5, 2018.

To celebrate the partnership, Churchill Downs Racetrack and Longines unveiled a new logo for the Longines Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for 3-year-old fillies that is run the day before the Kentucky Derby.

 “We are especially proud to be associated with Churchill Downs as an Official Partner of Kentucky Derby week,” said Juan-Carlos Capelli, Longines Vice-President and Head of International Marketing. “We wish to thank them for their valued collaboration throughout the past seven years. Being associated with the premier horse races in the U.S. and the world truly reflects our worldwide commitment in horse racing. Incidentally, the very first chronograph we produced, enabling its user to time to the second, was found on American racetracks in the 1880’s already. Both the Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby are legendary races, bringing together the world’s greatest horses, jockeys and fans for a weekend of incredible sport and entertainment. In line with our motto “Elegance is an attitude”, we are also delighted to renew the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest, which illustrates the utmost elegance at the racetrack.”

”We are pleased to continue our long-term partnership with Longines. The brand is synonymous with world class horse racing and the Kentucky Derby and Longines Kentucky Oaks are the most famous racing and entertainment events in the U.S. and the world,” said Kristin Warfield, Vice President Partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Additionally, the 2018 Breeders’ Cup, of which Longines is the official sponsor and timekeeper, will be held at Churchill Downs in November of this year.”

The partnership between Longines and Churchill Downs is part of the Swiss watchmaking brand’s ongoing commitment to the equestrian world, which dates back to over a century. Besides horse racing, the winged hourglass brand has now become the main partner of international institutions and events in the disciplines of show jumping, eventing, endurance, dressage and driving.