Ricoh Signs On To Sponsor Woodbine Mile

Woodbine Entertainement Group (WEG) and Ricoh Canada Inc. announced today that Ricoh will be the new title sponsor of the Ricoh Woodbine Mile beginning in the 2011 racing season. The sponsorship deal will see Ricoh be the title sponsor of the Ricoh Woodbine Mile for two seasons.

The Ricoh Woodbine Mile is one of the premier turf races in North America, carrying a $1 million purse, Grade I status and a ticket into the Breeders' Cup Turf Mile for the winner. The 2011 edition will take place in September, but WEG has not announced an official date.

Ricoh previously sponsored Woodbine's Highlander Stakes, a race that normally takes place on Queen's Plate day. The Highlander is a Grade II race run over six furlongs on turf.

From Woodbine's press release:

"Ricoh is excited to continue with the WEG relationship. Woodbine offers a top tier experience, and draws on a rich and storied history that is immediately apparent in the quality of their operations. The partnerships we engage in reflect Ricoh's drive for best-in-class performances, particularly in the field of Customer Experience - an area that is of paramount importance to Ricoh," said Glenn Laverty, President & CEO of Ricoh Canada Inc.

"Ricoh is a well-respected company that sponsors a number of elite sporting events around the world," said Glenn Crouter, Vice-President of Media Relations and Sponsorship. "For Ricoh to use the Woodbine Mile in a continuing effort to raise their profile is a reflection of Woodbine's status in sports."

This is great news for both Ricoh and Woodbine but also for the fans. A new partnership agreement like this shows that Woodbine has the ability to draw in strong corporate support for it's top races and that can only mean good things for the strength of the sport in this province. With the strong purses, handle and now added corporate support, things are looking very good for the future in Ontario racing. 

Posted in: Woodbine