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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesKentucky Derby Sweepstakes Winner Visits St. Croix

Kentucky Derby Sweepstakes Winner Visits St. Croix

When the Kentucky Derby ran on May 4 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., the V.I. Tourism Department held a sweepstakes since two St. Croix residents were riding in the race.

Alas, while neither Kevin Krigger on Goldencents nor Victor LeBron riding Frac Daddy was first across the finish line, Gretchen Christanell of St. Louis won the sweepstakes.

Christanell and her husband Corey Christanell arrived on St. Croix on Wednesday for a four-night stay at The Buccaneer Hotel. The prize also includes $900 in certificates that may be redeemed at local restaurants, retailers, activity operators and attractions, two Crucian hook bracelets, transportation for airport transfers and a spa treatment for each Christanell.

The Tourism Department has provided the couple with a welcome bag full of island guides and branded souvenirs.

"Only a few of us (in our party) put our names in for the drawing," Gretchen Christanell said. "I never win anything, but I said ‘Why not, maybe I will be lucky for once.’ When I got the call that I won, I had to ask if this was real!"

This was not the first trip to the Virgin Islands for Christanell, a full-time stay-at-home mother with two sons.

"We have been to St. Thomas a few times and St. John once, so I’m super excited for a getaway to St. Croix," Christanell said. "I’m ready to relax on the beautiful beaches, eat some amazing food and explore some of the island’s history."

Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty said the Kentucky Derby offers marketers a unique opportunity to reach a large audience of high-income consumers in an immediate, cost-effective way.

“Given the fact that not one but two jockeys who competed in the race are from the territory, it made sense to make our promotional debut at the races to give away a USVI vacation," Doty said. "We’re thrilled that Gretchen is so excited to finally see St. Croix and we look forward to welcoming her!"

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