Maryland Jockey Club release
The Maryland Jockey Club has announced a long-term partnership with Longines, the Swiss watchmaker. The partnership includes naming Longines as the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the Preakness Stakes (G1) as well as the title partner in the Longines Dixie Stakes (G2) and the presenting partner of the International Pavilion.
The partnership begins with this year’s Preakness, which has played host to 11 Triple Crown winners and other Hall of Fame horses such as Man o’ War, Native Dancer and Spectacular Bid. The 138th running will take place on Saturday, May 18 at Pimlico Race Course.
“By becoming the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the Preakness Stakes and the title partner of the Dixie Stakes, Longines is proud to be part of a great event,” Longines president Walter von Känel said. “This new partnership reinforces our commitment to equestrian sports in the US and reflects our devotion to and fashion for these exciting sports, which match perfectly with our core values of elegance, tradition and performance. We are also looking forward to be the presenting partner of the International Pavilion with Japan as the host nation.”
Longines will have a prominent presence throughout Pimlico on Preakness day serving as the official timepiece at the finish line and the presentation of elegant watches to the owner, trainer and jockey of the winning horse. To highlight its partnership, the watchmaker will also have a digital “Longines Preakness Stakes Countdown Clock” on the official Preakness Stakes website, www.preakness.com.
“The Maryland Jockey Club is proud to welcome Longines into the family of Preakness partners,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. “We look forward to establishing and fostering this relationship for years to come, showcasing the Longines brand center stage at the middle jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is a tough, grueling series with the Preakness holding the key to the process with 13 of the last 16 winners named champion 3-year-old.”
Longines will also serve as the presenting partner of the International Pavilion, the premier hospitality destination on Preakness day. Positioned at the finish line, the International Pavilion brings the world to the Preakness by selecting a different country each year to serve as the host nation with its respective embassy and Ambassador serving as Honorary Host. The embassy of Japan and Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae will serve as the 2013 host nation.
