Sentient Jet extends its partnership with the Breeders’ Cup World Championships

The jet card broker continues to have a major focus on sponsorships around world-class horse racing

Directional Aviation’s Sentient Jet said today it will continue as the Official Private Aviation Partner of the 35th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2018 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 races (13 Grade 1 events) with purses and awards totaling more than $30 million, will be held November 2-3 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. 

Sentient’s support of the horseracing community began when it first partnered with Breeders’ Cup more than a decade ago. Since then, it has become embedded in the industry with longstanding partnerships with Fasig-Tipton and serving as the first ever-private aviation partner of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Churchill Downs. According to a press release issued by the company, Sentient’s participation at the 2018 Breeders’ Cup World Championships reaffirms the company’s avid support of the Thoroughbred community, which also includes connections to several of the sport’s most impressive horses including 2016 Kentucky Derby Winner Nyquist and 2017 runner-up Lookin’ at Lee.

“As a passion point for many of our cardholders, horseracing has long been near and dear to our hearts. We are delighted to show our continued support of the community as an official partner of the Breeders’ Cup, one of the sport’s most prestigious international events,” said Andrew Collins, president and CEO of Sentient, adding, “The World Championships shows off the most exceptional horses and jockeys in the world and we are looking forward to taking in the exciting weekend of racing alongside our Cardholders, friends, and fans this November.”

As Breeders’ Cup’s official private jet partner, Sentient Jet will reassume its position as the title sponsor of the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, which features the most talented 2-year-old Thoroughbreds from across the globe. Sentient Jet will also offer clients and Cardholders a comprehensive VIP experience on-site, including premium seating at and privileged access to the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack.

“With a clear and authentic affinity for horseracing, Sentient Jet is a perfect partner for the Breeders’ Cup,” said Craig Fravel, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Sentient back as the official private aviation partner and title sponsor of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.”

Sentient’s support of the forthcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships comes on the heels of its involvement in the sport throughout the Triple Crown season, which included a partnership with Winchell Thoroughbreds in support of Veteran nonprofit Homes For Our Troops. Through sponsorships of Kentucky Derby contender Combatant and Preakness and Belmont Stakes contender Tenfold, Sentient Jet helped to raise visibility for the nonprofit, which builds specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, generating nearly $80,000 in direct donations. In addition to the sponsorships promoting Homes For Our Troops, the private jet company also partnered with Phoenix Thoroughbreds in sponsorship of Belmont Stakes runner-up, Gronkowski, an ode to Sentient Jet’s Boston roots.

One of thoroughbred horseracing’s most prestigious international events, the Breeders’ Cup is Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The 2018 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 races (13 Grade I events) with purses and awards totaling more than $30 million, will be held for the ninth time at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on November 2 and 3.

Sentient Jet Pricing

In terms of jet cards, Sentient Jet offers its 25-Hour Jet Card in light ($131,800), midsize, super midsize and heavy jets across two age classes (Preferred and Select). Last year, the company introduced the SJ25+ Jet Card ($224,275), which offers cardholders guaranteed access to Wi-Fi-equipped super-midsize aircraft. The company was recently ranked by Business Jet Traveler #1 for Overall Satisfaction with a 100% positive satisfaction score.

Sentient Jet was recently in the news with its acquisition of U.K.-based charter broker PrivateFly putting it alongside sister companies Flexjet and Skyjet and brings with it a preferred partnership with the Virtuoso network of luxury travel agencies.