Retama Park’s signature race, the $100,000 El Joven for two-year-old colts, will have a new name for the 2003 edition. The one-mile turf race is now the Ketel One El Joven. Retama Park officials said naming rights negotiations were signed this week. Ketel One is a Holland-based distiller of premium Vodka.

“This is a major move forward for the racetrack and the El Joven stakes,” said Retama Park CEO Bryan Brown. “It is the first time in our nine-year-history we have secured naming rights for a major race. Ketel One’s sponsorship allows us the opportunity to promote, market and advertise the race, which is growing in importance and popularity each year,” Brown added.

Early nominations for this year’s race, August 30, increased from 2002 and now number 66, with late supplemental payments/nominations still available. Past El Joven winners which have gone on to graded stakes wins and major allowance wins include Keene Dance, Zydeco Affair and Doublethebetwice.

“Ketel One understands the benefits of a race with national implications and the media coverage associated with it,” said Doug Vair, Retama Park ’s publicty director. “Our live racing attendance figures remain strong, despite a soft economy, and our level of sponsorship participation has doubled in the past year.”

“The product is a great fit for our market. We recently created a signature drink for the track, the Ketel One Citronade Splash. Our fans have responded enthusiastically to the product,” Brown added.