Sponsorship gives Wood Memorial purse boost

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Ozone Park, NY (Sports Network) - The 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial, a major test leading to the Kentucky Derby, will receive a purse increase with the addition of a presenting sponsorship. Aqueduct Racetrack's premier race will be worth $1 million, an increase of $250,000, and is to be sponsored by Resorts World New York.

"We are honored to be a part of this historic race that has been a staple of Queens for decades," said Mike Speller, President of Genting New York. "From the beginning, one of our goals in building the new casino facility at Aqueduct has been to strengthen and support New York's storied horse racing industry. Through this partnership with NYRA, we have taken a significant step in that direction. This year's Resorts World New York Casino Wood Memorial is sure to be a spectacular event that will bring out racing enthusiasts and make all of New York proud."

The Wood Memorial will be held on Saturday, April 9, four weeks before the 137th Kentucky Derby.

"Resorts World has been a great partner and this sponsorship reflects the depth of their ongoing commitment to New York racing," said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. "We are eagerly anticipating the opening of the Resorts World New York Casino, a cutting-edge facility that will help create stability for the state's thoroughbred industry and reinvigorate the community surrounding Aqueduct Racetrack."

Champion colt Uncle Mo, winner of the 2010 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, is expected to start in the Wood as his last prep before the Run for the Roses. The three- year-old colt is undefeated in four career starts, including last week's Timely Writer Stakes.