US$5 million up for
grabs, but no major takers
Kentuckyderby.com, the official website of the Kentucky Derby claimed
the US$5 million prize for picking the exact order of finish of the
130th running of the race, drew only one winning customer who took
home a meager US$25,000 instead a fraction of the prize money.
The US$5 Million Pay Day, was a free Internet-based contest of skill
on the site, initially had 18 starters. Of the 250,000 individuals
who registered, up by 45 percent from last years 172,000 entries,
no one was able to correctly select the entire running line for the
race. However, a suburban Cleveland woman, Nan Sako from Ohio, was
the lucky winner.
By picking the first five Derby finishers in order, she outscored
21 players who selected the first four finishers and 486 contestants
who picked the first three in order. Sako, who made her picks by watching
NBC Sports racing coverage, reading about the Derby in the local
papers and listening to family members handicapping advice was
more than surprised on the win.
I was very skeptical -- I didn't believe it. It couldn't come
at a better time in our lives and I am really thankful, said
Sako.
The event accomplished everything we had hoped except crown
a grand prizewinner, said Karl F. Schmitt Jr., President of
the Churchill Downs Simulcast Network, which developed and administered
the online contest. While more than 1.4 million, Internet visitors,
logged on to Kentuckyderby.com and viewed more than 4.2 million pages
on the site, this has not translated into a major success story, at
least not for the enthusiasts and the bettors.
Schmitt adds: Not everyone can win a big prize like Ms. Sato,
but we do offer compelling information that will improve everything
from fans experience at one of our racetracks or facilities
to their handicapping knowledge base.
Sato, said she plans to use the US$25,000 prize money to help pay
for her sons wedding and perhaps a vacation.