Breeders' Cup names eight Ambassadors for inaugural program

Eight celebrity racing fans and owners are being honored as Breeders' Cup

Ambassadors in the inaugural year of a program launched by the organization. The

honor comes with rewards which allow the Ambassadors to enjoy horse racing all

over the world, including concierge service, tickets and more. Additionally,

they will serve as spokespersons for the 2012 Breeders' Cup World Championships

and help promote the prestigious international event.

The participants include: renowned chef Bobby Flay (Breeders' Cup Board

Member), iconic actress Bo Derek (California Horse Racing Commissioner), actress

Elizabeth Banks, singer/songwriter Toby Keith, sports radio talk show host Jim

Rome, former Major League Baseball manager and player Joe Torre, actress and

singer Laura Bell Bundy, University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino,

professional skateboarder and actor Rob Dyrdek, and New England Patriots wide

receiver Wes Welker.

"We are so excited to have such talented and diverse participants for our

inaugural Ambassadors Program. Many of our Ambassadors have grown up around

horses, and even own Thoroughbred horses that have run in past Breeders' Cup

races," Breeders' Cup President and CEO Craig Fravel said. "They have proven

that they love horse racing, love the Breeders' Cup, and are happy to share

their enthusiasm about this event, and racing in general, with others around the

world."

The list includes the part-owner of the pre-race favorite in Breeders' Cup

weekend's marquee event, Joe Torre, who campaigns Breeders' Cup Classic

contender Game On Dude. Jim Rome and Rick Pitino also own entrants in this

year's Breeders' Cup. The esteemed list also includes someone who has tasted

Breeders' Cup success first-hand, Bobby Flay.

"Two years ago, I had the thrill of a lifetime when I won a Breeders' Cup

race with my filly, and have relived that moment in my mind hundreds of times,"

Flay said. "The Breeders' Cup is the pinnacle of Thoroughbred horse racing

competitions, and it's an honor to serve with all of these fantastic Ambassadors

in sharing our passion and long history with the sport."

Others are lifelong fans, such as Banks and Derek.

"Breeders' Cup weekend is marked on my calendar ever year. I grew up going to

the races with my dad, and my love of the sport has only grown. The racing, the

fashion, the beautiful tracks and the parties...the Breeders' Cup has it all,"

Banks said.

"The fastest horses in the world will be coming to Santa Anita to compete at

the Breeders' Cup in November," said Derek, a longtime equine advocate turned

racing commissioner. "It's the richest, most exciting sporting event each year,

as proven by the amazing support from my fellow Ambassadors."

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