NetJets, the European leader in private aviation, is today announcing that it is extending its relationship with the historic Curragh Racecourse in Ireland by sponsoring two races at the Irish Derby Festival Weekend on 1st-2nd July 2006. The sponsorship is part of the company's ongoing association with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). For the first time, NetJets will be sponsoring the NetJets Celebration Stakes on Sunday 2nd July, the main day of the Budweiser Irish Derby Festival. The NetJets Celebration Stakes is one of the most prestigious races on this day, carrying €100,000.00 in prize money. For the third year running, NetJets will continue to support the Derby Festival weekend, by sponsoring, the NetJets 2yo Maiden Stakes on Saturday, 1st July.
In addition to sponsorship of races during the Festival, NetJets will also host an exclusive drinks party for clients and VIP guests at the select K Club, and its guests will be able to watch the races in comfort from the NetJets hospitality lounge.
Many race-goers choose to fly to racecourses around the world with NetJets rather than experience the delays, red-tapes and long-transfer times often endured when flying commercially. NetJets reported a significant number of flights to last year's Irish Derby Festival and expects many racing enthusiasts to jet into Curragh this year.
As part of its continued relationship with the NTRA NetJets will also be sponsoring Prix NetJets at the Deauville festival in France, and for the second year running the NetJets-Bresges-Rennen race at Baden-Baden racecourse in Germany during the Grosse Woche. NetJets will also be entertaining clients at the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris France.
NetJets will also continue to sponsor the NetJets Breeders' Cup Mile Division culminating in the title race which runs on the 4th of November at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky in the United States.
Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager at Curragh racecourse said:
"We are delighted that NetJets Europe will be continuing its sponsorship of the Irish Derby Festival Weekend for the third year running as part of our ongoing relationship with them. We are particularly delighted that they will have an association with the Budweiser Irish Derby day for the first time with sponsorship of the 100,000 euro 'NetJets Celebration Stakes".
Mark Booth, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, NetJets Europe said:
"We are very happy to be extending our relationship with the Curragh and to have our name associated with one of the most exciting races on Irish Derby Day – the NetJets Celebration Stakes. NetJets greatly values its association with the NTRA and we are looking forward to a fantastic Festival Weekend".
