Lovable furniture entrepreneur Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale has been known for making Elon Musk caliber waves with some of his splashy betting. He’s wagered millions on events like the Super Bowl and World Series, and now he’s putting even more money on the line to bet on the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
McIngvale sat down with Ren Carothers to talk about his wagering plans for Derby as well as his deep involvement in the world of horse racing. He’s perhaps best known for campaigning a horse named Runhappy who was named champion sprinter in 2015 after he won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Over the past several years, the sons and daughters of Runhappy have hit the track and had enormous success. One of those horses is named Smile Happy and he’s running in this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Ren also talked to Mack about his philanthropy and the promotions he’s run that have been tied to his wagering. Earlier this month, he won $14 million on the NCAA Tournament which was a bet he made that ended in customers of his Houston-based Gallery Furniture store all receiving their furniture for free. He’ll be doing the same promotion when he wagers upward of $4 million on the Kentucky Derby.
Hear what McIngvale describes as his secret to success in life and business. Since he started with very little and built a furniture empire, he’s constantly tried to give back to his community in times of need — including during the relief effort following Hurricane Harvey. Mack shared what his plans are for giving back if and when he cashes his Derby bet this year.
For all of your Kentucky Derby information, including race previews, contender profiles and tips on winning when you play the Derby, visit americasbestracing.net.
