As the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, Woodford Reserve recently shared details of their $1,000 Mint Julep charity program, special for the 2023 sporting event.
This year’s Kentucky Derby honors the 50th anniversary of Secretariat winning the big race, a historic moment in thoroughbred history.
And for the $1,000 Mint Julep Experience, a total of 150 cups are available for purchase, and they must be picked up at Churchill Downs on Derby Day in the paddock.
This year, all proceeds of this charity event benefit the Secretariat Foundation, created by Penny Chenery, who owned Secretariat, to support thoroughbred and equine-related industries.
Chenery passed away in 2017, but her children continue operating the charity in her memory.
In a statement from Woodford Reserve, it’s noted that each of these cups are handmade by Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault, and each features a design of Secretariat’s famed blue and white checkered silks in sapphires.
One side of the cup features an engraving of 1973, the year Secretariat won The Kentucky Derby, and the other features 2023.
Of the 150 cups available, 100 are silver cups retailing for $1,000, and 50 are gold cups retailing for $3,500. Everyone that purchases a gold cup will have their name engraved on the bottom (purchase must be made before April 26th), and they will receive the handwritten autograph of Secretariat Jockey Ron Turcotte. All cups will be nestled in silk artwork of Secretariat in the Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs.
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Woodford Reserve shared this year’s special Derby mint julep recipe, which features their bourbon and handmade chestnut liqueur, which honors Secretariat’s chestnut coat, as well as mint and Virginia bluebell flowers to celebrate the state where Secretariat was born.
“Secretariat is one of the most iconic thoroughbreds in horse racing history, and it’s an honor to celebrate his enduring legacy through our $1,000 Mint Julep program,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “The money raised from this charity program will help ensure the impact of Secretariat is told for many years to come.”
Secretariat’s Mint Julep
- 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz. chestnut liqueur
- 1 sprig of mint, for garnish
- 1 stalk of Virginia bluebells, for garnish
- Directions: Mix, then pour over a julep cup filled with crushed ice. Garnish with one sprig of mint and one stalk of Virginia bluebells.
Woodford Reserve is the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, and the cups are available on their website at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com.
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