Helzberg Diamonds Sponsors Kentucky Derby Jockey

Jockey Javier Castellano in his Helzberg Diamonds racing suit. Photo credit: Helzberg Diamonds

Jewelry retailer Helzberg Diamonds is hoping it picked the winner in today’s Kentucky Derby through its sponsorship of jockey, Javier Castellano, who will ride Gemologist.

Castellano and Gemologist are currently the favorite at 9-1 odds in the 21-horse field.

Castellano has been involved in the North Kansas City, Mo.-based company’s promotion for the Derby through personal appearances, interviews made available on the retailer’s Facebook and Twitter pages and this video on the Helzberg Diamonds website.

The Berkshire Hathaway-owned jewelry retailer has also has been using the Derby tie-in for several cross-promotional activities that include its “I am Loved” Mother’s Day button, a fashionable jewelry guide for women to wear on Kentucky Derby day and a “Derby things we love” Pinterest page.

Heading into the Derby, Castellano and Gemologist have won four straight races, including the Grade 1 Wood Memorial. Castellano is currently the leading jockey in major wins and earnings. He will be riding Gemologist in an effort to join other undefeated Kentucky Derby winners. A total of seven horses have won the Derby undefeated and Gemologist will be the 23rd to attempt this feat since 1900.

In 2011, Castellano finished as one of the top five jockeys in the nation, with 11 Grade 1 victories, more than any other rider that year.

The Kentucky Derby post time is scheduled for 6:24 p.m. The race will be televised on NBC.