For the sixth time in its nine years of offering, Visa USA was close to giving a $5 million bonus to the winner of thoroughbred racing’s most elusive feat, the Triple Crown.
Visa, the title sponsor of the Triple Crown Challenge, kept the $5 million when Smarty Jones—who had won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes—lost its lead to Birdstone down the stretch at the Belmont Stakes.
No horse has won all three races since Affirmed in 1978.
“Visa has truly enjoyed this year’s Triple Crown,” said Visa spokesman Michael Rolnick. “It has been a very successful campaign for us and the brand exposure for Visa was exceptional, given America’s interest in Smarty Jones.”
Next year will be the final one of its second five-year contract as title sponsor. Rolnick would not discuss the possibility of Visa renewing its agreement.
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