Every athlete is trying to snag a big endorsement deal — even the four-legged ones.
Thoroughbred superstar California Chrome — the odds-on favorite to take the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes Saturday — has become the equine Michael Jordan after his owners signed two sponsorship deals worth $500,000 each, The Post has learned.
The agreements with Skechers shoes and Breathe Right nasal strips make the 3-year-old colt the first horse ever to get two such endorsements before a major race, source said.
Sources said other potential sponsors are trying to put their money on Chrome, hoping any deal would pay off in exposure should he to become the first horse in 36 years to take the Triple Crown.
“This could be one of the most historic sports events in the past three decades,” said Ben Sturner, of sports-marketing firm Leverage Agency. “And California Chrome is already known as ‘America’s horse.’ He’s already part of pop culture.”
But don’t expect any “Air Chrome” horseshoes from Skechers. The company will fly its logo from the horse’s barn, and his handlers will don the company’s gear.
Chrome himself will even wear the Skecher’s name on his warming blanket.
And in the event of a victory, the horse’s team plans to wear Skechers branded gear in the winners circle.
It wouldn’t be the first big win for the company this year. Last April, Skechers-backed runner Meb Keflezighi became the first American to win the Boston Marathon in 29 years.
Breathe Right seems a natural match for Chrome, who wears an equine version of a nasal strip to aid his breathing after an infection damaged his respiratory system. Details of the sponsorship were not available.
Both deals also come with incentive bonuses that could push them much higher than their $1 million total should the horse win.
Chrome, who won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness last month, is a 2-5 favorite in the Belmont Stakes at Elmont, LI.