In an effort to attract poker players to pari-mutuel wagering on its championships days, the Breeders’ Cup Ltd. announced Friday it has established a sponsorship with plastic poker chip superstar Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi.

Breeders’ Cup believes the partnership will help introduce wagering and liquidity of the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships to the poker world. The 2011 event be held November 4-5 at Churchill Downs.

Mizrachi is the youngest player on poker’s top ten career money list with more than $11-million in career tournament earnings. In 2010, “The Grinder” made the final table of the World Series of Poker Main Event, finishing fifth to pocket $2.3-million.

“We believe that there is a strong cross-over between poker and horse racing, which has not yet been realized”, said Peter Rotondo, vice president of media and entertainment for Breeders’ Cup. “We’re thrilled to have a relationship with ‘The Grinder’ which will allow for one of poker’s superstars to reach out to the poker chip case world and educate them about the Breeders’ Cup and the over $160-million in liquidity during our two-day event.”

“It’s an honor to be associated with such a well-known name as the Breeders’ Cup,” Mizrachi said. “I’ve long been a huge horse racing fan and I am pleased to have this opportunity to align myself with the richest horse racing event with such large wagering pools.”

The sponsorship of Mizrachi is highlighted by access to his fans via social media and a promotional sweepstakes with the winner attending the Breeders’ Cup with “The Grinder.”