Home/Olympics

Jim McIngvale, the American businessman popularly known as ‘Mattress Mack,’ is a man of many skills. In addition to being the owner of the Gallery Furniture store chain based out of Houston, Mattress Mack is notorious in the gambling world during major sporting events. Just last year, the 72-year-old shocked the world by winning $75 million on a bet, where he put his money on the Houston Astros to win the 2022 World Series. Looks like this time, he has his eyes on a different prize.

For the 149th run of the Kentucky Derby, Mattress Mack has piqued the curiosity of many, thanks to the businessman’s promise of a massive giveaway under the right circumstances. On his Instagram account not so long ago, Jim McIngvale uploaded a reel. The video that went viral showed Mattress Mack dozing off on a bed covered with flowers; McIngvale’s own method of publicizing the massive giveaway he’s come up with for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

It is a deal of a lifetime

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The regulations for this year’s giveaways are identical to those of the 2022 World Series. Fans of the 2023 Kentucky Derby, however, need only put their faith in pre-race favorite Forte. If he were to win, they would be reimbursed for any purchases above $3000, they made at Gallery Furniture. If Forte wins on May 6, the businessman’s Instagram reel promises a refund celebration for customers on May 13. This means that everyone who has just made a large purchase from Mattress Mack will get their money back, essentially getting all their furniture for free. When the Houston Astros won the World Series in 2022, he made the same promise to his followers. Several lucky winners profited from the giveaway.

ALSO READ – 71-Year-Old Businessman’s Historic $75 Million Jackpot Hopes Rests on the Houston Astros’ Shoulders

Mattress Mack’s followers were understandably worried when he was seen laying unmoving on a bed with a bouquet of flowers around him. However, aware of the symbolism, he quickly says, “No, I am not dead yet! But I am dead serious about getting your money back, during the fabulous Gallery Furniture run for the Roses of Kentucky Derby promotion.” McIngvale is taking the same gamble as he did last year by betting on the pre-race favorite, but he is hoping for better results this time around.

 

His previous Kentucky Derby betting experience

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

This is not McIngvale’s first stint at the Derby. Mattress Mack has placed bets on the pre-race favorites of previous Derbys, including the 2022 Derby, when he backed Epicenter. Last year’s gamble, however, did not go as planned, and the businessman lost a stunning $1.5 million.

Rich Strike’s victory against the pre-race favorite in the 2022 Kentucky Derby was a major shock. His trainer, Eric Reed, won the Derby for the first time, and his rider, Sonny Leon, won the first graded stakes for the first time. It came as a shock since Rich Strike hadn’t had a very successful career up until the Derby, but he turned things around spectacularly in that race.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY – Inside $22,000,000 Worth Equestrian Estate That Is Set to Smash Record Books

It’s the same situation this time around, and if the pre-race favorite wins in the Derby, it’ll be a tremendous day for the businessman and also his customers.