Skechers USA, Inc. has signed on to sponsor thoroughbred racehorse California Chrome as he contends at the Belmont Stakes on June 7 to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed grabbed the title 36 years ago in 1978.
As part of the sponsorship, Skechers branding will be included on trainer and owner team jackets, caps and apparel as well as California Chrome’s horse blanket, gear, barn and related promotional events.
“Skechers is a California brand, so sponsoring this horse with his uniquely California story makes perfect sense to us. We’re proud to associate Skechers with the best Triple Crown contender in several generations,” stated Robert Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Skechers. “As a true representative of his home state, California Chrome has already captured the hearts of America and inspired people around the world so we’re excited for the opportunity to bring Skechers synergy to his amazing journey.”
Owned by Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, and trained by the legendary Art Sherman at Los Alamitos Race Course, California Chrome has won six straight including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
“We just watched Meb Keflezighi win the Boston Marathon wearing Skechers Performance shoes in April,” added Steve Coburn. “So we know Skechers has a good track record when it comes to picking winners in high profile races.”
Skechers has a long history working with sports icons. Current Skechers advertising campaigns include Meb Keflezighi, Joe Montana, and Mark Cuban, and Pete Rose and Joe Namath ads will launch in Fall 2014. Previous Skechers ambassadors include Wayne Gretzky, Karl Malone, Evander Holyfield, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Rick Fox, and Ronnie Lott.
