Kentucky Derby Jockey Junior Alvarado Returns to Long Island Sponsor Hildebrandt's Ice Cream

Jockey's Triumphant Return

• 🏇 Junior Alvarado, the Kentucky Derby winning jockey, returned to Long Island to celebrate his victory at Hildebrandt's, the ice cream shop whose name was on his uniform.
• 🏆 The win is described as a century-old Williston Park lunch counter achieving local pride on the world stage.

A Mutual Comeback Story

• 🤝 The victory was a comeback for both Alvarado and Hildebrandt's, as the iconic ice cream shop had faced significant challenges, including nearly closing during COVID-19 and facing doubled rent.
• 💖 Owner Randy Sarf, also a racehorse owner, sponsored Alvarado to help keep the shop alive, stating he did it for the town and didn't want to see a long-standing establishment close.
• 🍦 Alvarado, an ice cream enthusiast, felt the sponsorship was a perfect fit, expressing his excitement about riding with the Hildebrandt's name to the finish line.

Supporting Jockeys and Future Plans

• 📈 Sarf plans to take the Hildebrandt's brand national, with ideas to feature jockey photos on ice cream cartons.
• 🩹 He highlighted the physical toll and risks jockeys endure, comparing their struggles to his own, and emphasized that they deserve support.
• 🎁 To celebrate, Sarf gave away 100 $2 bets before the race and 2,000 free pints of ice cream.
• 🌟 If Alvarado wins the Triple Crown, it will be the "cherry on top" for the Long Island establishment.