It’s Spring time in the Bluegrass, as Maker’s Mark is sprinting out the gates and into the upcoming Keeneland horse racing season at a furious pace!
Maker’s Mark and Keeneland have been collaborating on a commemorative bottle release every year since 1997, raising millions of dollars for a variety of worthy causes throughout Central Kentucky.
For the FIRST TIME EVER, the commemorative annual release in partnership with Lexington’s Keeneland Racing, will be THREE DISTINCT BOTTLES. Each with its own label featuring the work of artists Sandra Oppegard, Andre Pater, or Tyler Robertson. The labels depict the pageantry, beauty, and power of Thoroughbred racing.
Isaac Murphy – Jockey Legend
At the epicenter of the artwork inspiration is African American Hall-of-Fame Jockey, Isaac Murphy, and the thoroughbred racing sport of which he left an absolute legendary mark upon. In late the 1800’s, Murphy achieved unparalleled success being the only jockey in history to have won the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Clark Handicap all in the same year (1884). Overall 3x winner of the Kentucky Derby, Murphy was in the first group of jockeys inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame.
Bottle Proceeds – LexArts
Bottle proceeds will go to LexArts, Lexington’s premier cultural development, advocacy, and fundraising organization, to support its initiatives at the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden in Lexington. The Art Garden is the first park in the U.S. to honor African American jockeys, who were the earliest Black professional athletes.
“To have the immeasurable support of these two iconic brands, Keeneland and Maker’s Mark, is meaningful in so many ways for LexArts and our entire arts community,” said Ame Sweetall, LexArts President and CEO.
On Sale April 2nd – Pre-Signed Bottles
The bottles are all pre-signed by the artist who created each label along with Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin, Maker’s Mark Managing Director Rob Samuels, and one of three active Hall of Fame jockeys who have won the Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland multiple times: Javier Castellano, Edgar Prado, and John Velazquez. The three bottles will go on sale Friday, April 2.
“Keeneland has long championed the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden and its celebration of the significant contributions African Americans have made to racing,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “It is especially gratifying to know that our longstanding collaboration with Maker’s Mark will benefit LexArts and ensure this important aspect of history will be preserved for our community and future generations.”
“I’m impressed by LexArts’ work to enrich the greater Lexington area through their various initiatives,” said Maker’s Mark Managing Director Rob Samuels. “This particular project to enhance the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden is an important and worthy cause, and I’m proud our long partnership with Keeneland is allowing us to support it in such a meaningful way.”
HOW TO BUY
Bottles are limited and will be sold at select retailers across Kentucky. Please contact your local retailer regarding sales. Cheers!
