Break Out Your Big, Floppy Sun Hat

Are you a Kentucky Derby fan? I am. I love horse racing! Nothing is more exciting than watching the triple crown. It's the fastest 60 seconds in sports but the build up and dash to the finish is exhilarating! 

Today I interviewed the co-owner of this weekend's Kentucky Derby favorite Big Brown. His name is Paul Pompa, Jr. He owns a trucking business, Truck-Rite Corp. in Brooklyn and has owned horses since 2000. Interesting combination? One might think so. Not so, says Pompa Jr, his father owned and bread horses while he was growing up. 

So how did he come up with the name that everyone is talking about? He named his horse Big Brown after he signed a contract with UPS, his biggest client.

He didn't tell UPS and didn't intend to garner as much attention or sponsorship opportunities until Sept. 3, 2007 when the chestnut colt won a race in Saratoga by a landslide. Minutes after, Pompa Junior's phone rang off the hook with breeders and horse owners begging to buy his horse. 

He mulled over many rich offers and decided to go with IEAH (International Equine Acquisitions Holdings). He selected IEAH because they were willing to let him keep a 25% stake in Big Brown's future winnings and breeding rights.

The holding company, IEAH, was created by a group of Wall Street guys and is currently raising $100 million to buy, sell and breed horses.

Reportedly, they paid Pompa Jr. $3 million for their 75% stake.

 Another wonderful case of Wall Street meeting Main Street!