Sentient Jet Returns to the Kentucky Derby® for Ninth Year, Celebrating with Top Contender Tiztastic and Signature Bobby Flay Breakfast

Sentient Jet, leading private aviation company and inventor of the jet card, proudly returns for its ninth consecutive year as the preferred private aviation partner of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby®. As a strong supporter of the thoroughbred racing community, Sentient Jet continues to deepen its presence at one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, delivering experiences and access to its Card Owners. Sentient Jet will also sponsor the $600,000 Twin Spires Turf Race, a premier event on Oaks Day.

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Sentient Jet returns to Churchill Downs on May 3rd with a fresh chapter in its long-standing Derby tradition, including support for standout contender Tiztastic—co-owned by Ron Winchell, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith. Tiztastic is trained by Hall of Fame inductee and North America’s winningest trainer Steve Asmussen, and will be ridden by newly inducted Hall of Fame jockey Joel Rosario.

Sentient Jet previously partnered with Winchell Thoroughbred Racing in support of the 2022 Derby Runner-Up Epicenter and 2021 contender Midnight Bourbon, along with 2018 Preakness Stakes contender, Tenfold. Over the years, Sentient Jet has also supported a number of high-profile Derby horses, including Kentucky Derby Champions Nyquist (2016) and Country House (2019), Derby runner-up Lookin at Lee (2017), as well as notable names like Echo Zulu, Hidden Stash, Omaha Beach, Gronkowski, Sole Volante, Combatant, Track Phantom, and Society Man.

Sentient Jet will once again return to Repeal at Hotel Distil, located in the center of Downtown Louisville on historic Whiskey Row to host its 7th annual Derby Day Breakfast for Card Owners, hosted by renowned chef and brand ambassador Bobby Flay. Chef Flay will be serving a spectacular southern-style, Kentucky-themed breakfast and sharing his annual Derby Day picks and betting tips via Sentient Jet’s social media channels on Facebook and Instagram (@sentientjet).

“The Derby is a tradition that celebrates history, passion, and community,” said Alan Walsh, President of Sentient Jet. “Our ninth year at Churchill Downs speaks to the meaningful role this event plays for our Card Owners, with many of whom deeply connected to the sport. As demand grows for access to culturally significant moments like the Derby, we are proud to provide access and hospitality for Card Owners who want more than just a seat at the race and look for a memorable experience built around it.”

“We’re proud to once again partner with Sentient Jet, who has been a longtime supporter of our sport,” said Ron Winchell of Winchell Thoroughbred Racing. “Sentient Jet’s presence and support have added tremendous value over the years. The company’s commitment to both racing and hospitality continues to shape a modern, memorable Derby experience.”

This year’s Derby partnership also coincides with broader shifts in travel behavior. According to a 2024 American Express report, 60% of global respondents plan to travel for entertainment events, including live sporting experiences like the Derby. Meanwhile, the global sports tourism market (valued at $564.7 billion in 2023) is projected to grow over 10% through 2032 (Global Market Insights Inc.), signaling strong demand for experiences that marry culture, sport, and high-end travel.

In step with these evolving travel preferences, Sentient Jet’s 2025 Card Owner Benefits Guide introduced an exclusive partnership with Christine Moore Millinery, the most celebrated milliner in the history of American horse racing and Official Milliner of the Kentucky Derby, where Card Owners can work with Christine to create a haute couture hat or fascinator for the Derby or other events.

The event remains one of the most popular benefits among Card Owners, with more than 120 passengers expected this year to enjoy personalized, seamless access to one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.

About Sentient Jet
Founded in 1999 with the invention of the Jet Card, and now a Flexjet company, Sentient Jet is one of the most innovative private aviation companies across the globe. The Sentient Jet Card offers clients the flexibility and convenience of flying private for their personal and business air travel needs along with a host of unique digital booking tools, including an industry-first with instant, automated text-based booking, a unique sustainability program, and an outstanding service heritage. Sentient Jet is known for its commitment to safety and is guided by an Independent Safety Advisory Board with former FAA and NTSB officials. Sentient Jet’s extensive network of certified operators ensures that clients will always have access to executive aircraft that meet their rigorous standards for safety and quality. Visit sentient.com for more information. You can also follow Sentient Jet on social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Download the Sentient Jet Mobile App: iOS | Android.

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