Celebrated sports artist LeRoy Neiman commemorates the legendary Secretariat
Louisville, KY, March 20, 2008 – Adding to its reputation as the signature bourbon of thoroughbred racing, Woodford Reserve, an award-winning small-batch bourbon, is honoring the country’s favorite horse race with the release of its 2008 Kentucky Derby® bottle (set to release April 2008). This premium product from the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, has been crafted on the site since 1812, 63 years before Aristides won the inaugural Kentucky Derby. This year’s limited edition Derby bottle and corresponding print celebrate the 35th anniversary of Triple Crown® winner Secretariat’s victory in Kentucky Derby 99. The artwork was created by another sports legend, internationally acclaimed artist LeRoy Neiman.
"Woodford Reserve is honored to not only feature an image of a legend on its commemorative Derby bottle but also to partner with such a renowned artist," said Nick Nelson, Woodford Reserve brand manager. "We're proud to honor Secretariat while continuing our partnership tradition with Churchill Downs® and the Kentucky Derby. It's much like our very own trifecta."
Neiman’s vibrant, colorful image captures the speed, beauty, and grace of the great Secretariat running down the stretch of Churchill Downs en route to a record final time of 1:59 2/5 for the Run for the Roses. Secretariat’s record-setting victory won the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, KY, on May 5, 1973.
The main image on the bottle features the big red chestnut colt in his distinctive blue and white checkered silks leading the pack with the historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs in the background. Neiman’s signature adorns the neck band of the bottle in Secretariat’s signature blue color, and an attached tag bears information about the product and the artist. The commemorative liter-size bottle will be available at the suggested retail price of $39.99 throughout Kentucky and selected markets across the nation.
“As no other thoroughbred ever has, Secretariat captured the public’s fancy, generating an excitement above and beyond his racing prowess, to become one of the twentieth century’s most glamorous athletes,” said artist LeRoy Neiman. “Thoroughbred racing has always held a special fascination for me and inspired this painting.”
Neiman’s Secretariat 35th Anniversary prints will be available beginning April 1 while supplies last at Cobalt Artworks in Louisville and online at www.cobaltartworks.com and www.secretariat.com. The prints range from $40 for an Official Edition poster to $250 for a Commemorative Foil-Stamped Edition triple-signed by Neiman, Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery and jockey Ron Turcotte. A percentage of the proceeds from the art sales will be donated to The Secretariat Foundation. The mission of The Secretariat Foundation is to assist and support various charities and causes within the thoroughbred racing community.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon is the “Official Bourbon of Kentucky Derby 134” and has served as the official bourbon for the past ten years. It also sponsors a Grade I race, the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which is run on Derby Day, May 3, 2008, and has become one of thoroughbred racing’s premier events in its own right.
About Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve, is the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby” made at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky – the heart of thoroughbred country. Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Fetzer and Bolla wines, and Korbel California Champagnes. Woodford Reserve reminds you to drink responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve visit www.woodfordreserve.com.
About LeRoy Neiman
Best known for his brilliantly colored, energetic images of sporting events and leisure activities, LeRoy Neiman is one of the few contemporary artists whose name has become a household word. Neiman’s artwork is exhibited at numerous galleries and museums around the world. As an official artist at such diverse events as the 2008 Ryder Cup®, 2010 World Equestrian Games™, Kentucky Derby®, and was the official artist at five Olympiads, Neiman has been televised on location with his sketchbook in hand, producing split second records of what he is witnessing.
About Cobalt Artworks
Cobalt Artworks is located at 614 West Main Street in downtown Louisville, KY, and is currently hosting a year-long retrospective of Neiman’s work entitled “LeRoy Neiman – Five Decades.” The exhibit is comprised of paintings, prints, drawings, books, and posters curated from the artist’s personal collection and will be on display through December 2008. For more information about the Neiman retrospective please visit www.cobaltartworks.com.
Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2008.
For more information, contact:
Andrea Duvall, Brown-Forman
502-774-6044
andrea_duvall@b-f.com