Windows Phone is Sponsoring that All White Horse in the Kentucky Derby Because It’s “Beautifully Different”

There’s a Lumia tie-in here I think. Apparently since the horse “Hansen” is ‘beautifully different’ Microsoft is going to saddle up and sponsor Hansen. Add to that a Twitter Lumia giveaway and it almost feels like a promotion. Here’s their blog post on it:

The Kentucky Derby—first leg of the famous Triple Crown of horse racing—takes place Saturday in Louisville. The Derby is always a thrill to watch (it’s not called the “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports” for nothing). But one of the unique things about this year’s race is the beautifully different white Thoroughbred named Hansen.

Just like Windows Phone, Hansen really stands out from the pack—he’s the only white horse in the field and one of a handful to run in any Derby. As sportswriter Frank Deford said this week, “most eyes will unavoidably be upon him.” One look at him and it’s easy to see why. (Here he is winning the 2011 Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.)

Hansen will be ridden by award-winning jockey Ramon Dominguez, and we’re looking forward to seeing Windows Phone on his silks!

To celebrate the Derby, we’re also launching a Twitter contest today and giving away two new white (natch) Lumia 900s. To win, you’ll need to follow @WindowsPhone, then send us a tweet using the hashtag #TrifectaTweet with the horses you think will win, place, and show in the Derby (that’s first, second, and third place, by the way.) The contest ends Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific, and you must be a U.S. resident 18 or over to enter. See the official sweepstakes rules for all the details.

NBC kicks off its Derby coverage at 5 p.m. Eastern time. Post time is 6:24 p.m. Eastern. See kentuckyderby.com for more info.

We hope you’ll tune in this weekend and root Hansen to the Winner’s Circle! (And feel free to mix up a Mint Julep, the traditional Derby companion beverage, using the Cocktail Flow app in Marketplace.)