Owners place top bid in Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Auction to benefit The Secretariat Foundation
Louisville, KY, April 29, 2008 – In a world-class tribute to the great thoroughbred Secretariat (affectionately known as “Big Red”), the owners of this year’s Kentucky Derby® favorite Big Brown placed the overall winning bid in the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Auction. The auction closed today with the top bid of $10,000 made by Michael Iavarone, co-CEO of IEAH Stables, which owns Big Brown. Proceeds from the sale of the Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Cups will benefit The Secretariat Foundation, which provides funding to a variety of non-profit organizations benefiting thoroughbred racing.
Two of the 99 Woodford Reserve Mint Julep cups – the Legendary Silks cups numbered 1 and 99 – are adorned with jewels and were auctioned online at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com. Big Brown’s owners purchased cup #1 for a final bid of $10,000 and Suzie Adams of Louisville, Ky., purchased cup #99 with a winning bid of $2,500.
“We are delighted to support The Secretariat Foundation during this milestone 35th anniversary of Big Red’s Kentucky Derby victory,” said Iavarone. “Secretariat has provided timeless inspiration for the thoroughbred industry, and we are proud to give back to Mrs. Penny Chenery’s organization.”
In addition to the two auction cups, 61 cups were sold online for $1,000 each. The remaining 36 cups will be available for sale on Kentucky Derby Day, May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs®, to be sold on a first-come, first-buy basis when the gates open. Those purchasing the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup will enjoy a unique cocktail featuring a selection of ingredients highlighting Secretariat’s heritage and enduring legacy. The mint julep is made with the finest all-natural ingredients found in Kentucky: lush mint from Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky. (the final home and resting place of Secretariat); ice made of limestone water from Woodford County, Ky., where thoroughbreds outnumber humans; a special selection of sugar made from naturally-grown sorghum created specifically for this cocktail in Louisville; and a small batch of the Master Distiller’s personal selection of Woodford Reserve bourbon.
“On behalf of our partners at The Secretariat Foundation, we’d like to congratulate the partners of IEAH Stables and Ms. Suzie Adams on their top bids for the two auction cups. We look forward to giving back to the thoroughbred industry again through this year’s $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales and auction,” said Wayne Rose, brand director for Woodford Reserve.
How to Purchase a Cup
Starting on April 14, 2008, consumers, 21 years and older, logged on to www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com to purchase or bid on one of the two different cup offerings. Presented on one day, at one place only, all cups purchased must be picked up by the buyer or the buyer’s proxy on May 3, 2008, Kentucky Derby Day at historic Churchill Downs.
Secretariat Cups
97 of the 99 total cups featuring a full-color medallion reproduction of LeRoy Neiman’s Secretariat 35th Anniversary artwork are carefully engraved with Secretariat’s name and offered with a sterling silver sipping straw. The cups are sold out online in advance; however, 36 cups will be available on Kentucky Derby Day, May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs®, to be sold on a first come, first buy basis when the gates open.
Legendary Silks Cups
One carat total weight of sapphires and diamonds embellish each of the two Legendary Silks cups and represent the blue and white silks from Big Red’s distinguished career. The cups are also adorned with LeRoy Neiman’s artwork and are presented with an exclusive 24-karat gold-plated sipping straw.
The Mint Julep Cocktail
Cup owners will receive an exclusive mint julep when they pick up their cup at The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience at Churchill Downs. With one-of-a-kind ingredients, including a special selection of Woodford Reserve bourbon, mint from Claiborne Farm, a unique sorghum sugar and ice made from limestone water, the cup is destined to become a collector’s item.
Special guests like Chris Morris, the master distiller of Woodford Reserve, and Tim Laird, Brown-Forman’s chief entertaining officer, will be on hand to greet the owners of the mint julep cups. The 97 Secretariat cups will be presented to buyers on Kentucky Derby Day at one location where the unique cocktail will also be offered, and the two Legendary Silks cups will be presented at a special location at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, May 3, 2008.
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve, 45.2% ABV, 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 company responsible for other quality consumer products including: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, 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.
The Secretariat Foundation
The Secretariat Foundation was created by Mrs. Penny Chenery to serve as a charitable organization assisting and supporting various charities and causes within the thoroughbred racing community. The Foundation's mission is to provide general funding and recognition for non-profit equine-related programs in the areas of: veterinary research; retirement and rehabilitation facilities; higher education scholarships; and therapeutic equestrian programs. To learn more about The Secretariat Foundation visit www.secretariat.com.
Churchill Downs Incorporated ("Churchill Downs"), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates world-renowned horse racing venues throughout the United States. Churchill Downs' five racetracks in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Louisiana host many of North America’s most prestigious races, including the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Arlington Million, Princess Rooney Handicap, Louisiana Derby and Indiana Derby. Churchill Downs’ racetracks have hosted seven Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Churchill Downs also owns off-track betting facilities and has interests in various advance deposit wagering, television production, telecommunications and racing services companies that support Churchill Downs’ network of simulcasting and racing operations. Churchill Downs trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2008
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrea Duvall, Brown-Forman
502-413-1752 andrea_duvall@b-f.com