California Chrome LLC, which includes majority owners Perry and Denise Martin and Taylor Made Stallions, announced Margaret Hiers as the winner of the California Chrome Breeders’ Cup Sweepstakes, which includes two Breeders’ Cup tickets and two round-trip commercial flights to Los Angeles to attend next week’s Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.
On Tuesday, Hiers’ name was drawn from a pool of contestants that spanned 48 of the 50 states in America. The popular contest raised a total of $25,050, with 100 percent of those proceeds going to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research – one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations.
“I am so thankful to the wonderful people associated with California Chrome for this opportunity, and I am unbelievably excited to get to go to the Breeders’ Cup,” said Hiers, a lifelong racing fan who resides in Marietta, Ga. “I’m a big fan and actually went to the Pacific Classic this summer, which was my first time to go to Del Mar. I was blown away by how easy he won without even breaking a sweat. Everybody was cheering for Chrome. I’ve also appreciated the conjoining of California Chrome and the V Foundation. We all have had family and loved ones affected by cancer, and this was too good of a cause for me to pass up.”
Duncan Taylor, President and CEO at Taylor Made, said: “First of all, we are elated that the California Chrome Breeders’ Cup Sweepstakes contest was extremely well received, so much so that it was able to raise over $25,000 that will all go to benefit our charitable partners at the V Foundation for Cancer Research. I can speak for all of Team Chrome when I say that we’re excited for Mrs. Hiers and looking forward to meeting her and having her as our guest next week as we all share in this Breeders’ Cup experience with such a special horse. We hope it will be a magical and memorable experience for everyone.”
Hiers’ trip includes two Breeders’ Cup tickets for Saturday, Nov. 5th at Santa Anita Park, two round- trip commercial flights to Los Angeles, two nights hotel stay, a meet and greet with Team Chrome, two paddock-area passes for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and – should California Chrome win the Breeders’ Cup Classic – access to the winner’s circle and post-race celebration held at Santa Anita following the race. Hiers will also receive a VIP experience and tour at Taylor Made Farm upon California Chrome’s retirement from racing, a $100 Taylor Made Store gift card, and an autographed replica of the 2016 Dubai World Cup saddle towel autographed by trainer Art Sherman and world-renowned jockey Victor Espinoza.
California Chrome, North America’s all-time leading money-winner with earnings of $13,432,650, is a seven-time Grade 1 winner and the probable favorite for next week’s $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita. At the conclusion of his racing career, California Chrome will stand stud at Taylor Made Stallions in Nicholasville, Ky.
