Penfolds secures naming rights of Victoria's Derby Day

Australian winemaker Penfolds has partnered with The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) as the new Victoria Derby Day partner in what is a four year sponsorship agreement and includes naming rights to the Group 1 Victoria Derby, and the first day of the world-renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival, Victoria Derby Day.

Penfolds is only the third naming rights sponsor for the Victoria Derby in its 166-year-history.

VRC Chairman Neil Wilson said, “As custodians of what is widely regarded by race lovers as the best day’s racing in Australia, the Victoria Racing Club is incredibly proud to link the Victoria Derby with a global brand that is as iconic and time-honoured as Penfolds.

"The new partnership extends one of the longest VRC partner relationships to more than 40 years with Penfolds owner, Treasury Wine Estates,” Mr Wilson said.

Victoria Derby Day traditionally attracts the largest crowd on any Australian racecourse every year and there is great anticipation and optimism that this year will see spectators return to Flemington Racecourse.

Treasury Wine Estates Chief Executive Officer Tim Ford said the announcement coincides in a year celebrating 70 years of flagship wine, Penfolds Grange.

“If you go back in time, Penfolds has an historic connection to racing dating as far back to the 1930s. What better way to celebrate a special, memorable moment in time, than with a glass of Penfolds,” Mr Ford said.

“Although it’s a day traditionally associated with black and white, we look forward to adding a splash of red to the celebrations on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day.”

The new partnership will see Penfolds take up a marquee position in Flemington’s exclusive Birdcage Enclosure, become Official Wine Partner of the VRC and Melbourne Cup Carnival, design a special Penfolds experience for VRC members and curate wine lists in all venues across course, including the world-class Club Stand.