GUINNESS Offers its Boldest Fan an Unprecedented Visit to Ireland

NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Who needs to follow in the footsteps of other champions with a celebratory trip to a theme park when you can be the first thoroughbred ever to enjoy a pint at your favorite brewery?  As horse-racing's biggest and boldest superstar prepares to race into the record books on Saturday, GUINNESS, the world's best-selling stout, is preparing to open its legendary St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin for the first-time ever…to a race horse! 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101105/NY96351 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101105/NY96351 )

Undefeated—winning all 19 races of her career—the six year-old Zenyatta will compete in her final contest against some of the world's best male equines in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic.  If she notches her 20th victory, Guinness is offering a trip for the mare, her trainer and owners to visit the St. James's Gate Brewery to celebrate her career, her official retirement and her love of GUINNESS.

Zenyatta and her trainer have not been shy about her post-workout penchant for the legendary Irish stout.  According to her trainer in a recent television interview, "If she's been really good, I like to pop open a Guinness and she can have a beer in the afternoon." He also notes of the mare's beverage preference, "It's got to be the stout."

GUINNESS, which has been celebrating boldness since its founder Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on the St. James Gate brewery more than 250 years ago, hopes the mare and her connections will take them up on the offer.

"We've long heard that horses are some of the smartest animals in the world," said Patrick Hughes, Brand Director, GUINNESS.  "We think this proves it!  We'll be raising a pint and holding our breath during the race on Saturday.  As always we remind all thoroughbreds, and the race fans who love them, that Guinness is best enjoyed responsibly."

This trip would be an added bonus to Zenyatta's string of records, as the trip would make her the first horse to visit St. James's Gate. Having already claimed the Breeder's Cup title twice (in 2008 and 2009), Zenyatta and rider are making the bold attempt to claim a historic third title. 

About GUINNESS®

GUINNESS® enjoys a global reputation as a uniquely authentic Irish beer and the best-selling stout in the world.  Famous for its dark color, creamy head and unique surge and settle, this distinctive beer has been brewed at the St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland since 1759.  Over 10 million glasses of GUINNESS beer are enjoyed every single day around the world, and 1.8 billion pints are sold every year.  GUINNESS is available in well over 100 countries worldwide and is brewed in almost 50.  Also from the makers of GUINNESS, SMITHWICK'S, Ireland's oldest and best selling ale and HARP Lager, whose name pays tribute to the GUINNESS logo and the national symbol of Ireland.  Additional information about GUINNESS can be found at www.guinness.com.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, GUINNESS, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

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SOURCE GUINNESS