As a Kentuckian there isn’t a more exciting time than when the weather breaks and the iconic race tracks of the state begin to open. First up is Keeneland, nestled at the edge of Lexington almost to horse country in Versailles, Kentucky where the races will begin this Friday April 8th people from across the commonwealth will flock to the track with their hopes of hitting the long shot and winning some money.
While that might be the case for most there are a group of fans that will line up at Liquor Barn in hopes of grabbing another installment of the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Keeneland Commemorative Bottle. This year is a take on the colorful life-sized horse statues will return to the community this summer and fall for the third installment of Horse Mania, an initiative put on by LexArts, greater Lexington’s premier cultural development, advocacy and fundraising organization.
While this year isn’t one that I (Jake) are clamoring over to track down this brings out a ton of memories for me. For more than a decade the Keeneland Commemorative Bottle featured the Kentucky Wildcats in some shape or form, my grandfather got me hooked as he left me the 1998 National Champion Bottle when he passed. I would go on a journey to collect all the University of Kentucky Markers Mark bottles that now sit behind me daily in my office. This time of year brings people near and far to our state to celebrate the two things we are most known for Bourbon and Horses, but I hope they leave with a memory that will last them a life time as these bottles have given me!
Full Press Release Below:
LEXINGTON, Ky. – April 4, 2022 – Colorful life-sized horse statues will return to the community this summer and fall for the third installment of Horse Mania, an initiative put on by LexArts, greater Lexington’s premier cultural development, advocacy and fundraising organization.
Horse Mania instills an understanding and enjoyment of public art. This year, Horse Mania is supported by the annual release of a commemorative Maker’s Mark® Bourbon bottle in partnership with Keeneland Race Course.
“No other public art initiative in our city’s history has captured the hearts and imaginations of Lexingtonians and visitors like Horse Mania,” said Ame Sweetall, LexArts President and CEO. “Public art is a hallmark of all great American cities and LexArts is thrilled to have the support of two iconic Kentucky brands, Keeneland and Maker’s Mark, in bringing Horse Mania to the streets of Lexington once again.”
For the second year, the commemorative bottle will feature one of three distinct label designs featuring the work of artists Sandra Oppegard, Andre Pater or Tyler Robertson. The labels depict the beauty and history of Thoroughbred racing.
Each bottle is signed by the artist who created the design, along with Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin, Maker’s Mark Eighth Generation Whisky Maker & Managing Director Rob Samuels and one of three of the winningest female riders in Keeneland history: Julie Krone, Rosie Napravnik and Donna Barton Brothers.
Maker’s Mark and Keeneland have collaborated on a commemorative bottle release every year since 1997, raising millions of dollars for a variety of worthy causes throughout Central Kentucky.
“Keeneland is committed to supporting public art exhibits like Horse Mania, which have coincided with some of the major equestrian events at the racetrack and in our community and celebrate the vibrant cultural importance of our sport to the Commonwealth and the international stage,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We are excited to continue our longstanding collaboration with Maker’s Mark in support of LexArts.”
“At Maker’s Mark, we share LexArts’ commitment to celebrating and encouraging public art, such as those at our distillery in Loretto,” said Eighth Generation Whisky Maker & Managing Director Rob Samuels. “I’m proud our long partnership with Keeneland allows us to support the popular Horse Mania in such a meaningful way.”
The three bottles will go on sale Friday, April 8, opening day of Keeneland’s 2022 Spring Meet.
