Legacy of the Sport

Each spring for twenty-five years, a time-honored tradition has captivated bourbon and horseracing enthusiasts. Maker’s Mark releases a commemorative Maker’s Mark Bourbon bottle in partnership with Keeneland Racecourse — raising millions of dollars for numerous Central Kentucky causes.

In 2021, LexArts began a three-year partnership with the two iconic Kentucky brands, with proceeds benefitting the arts in Lexington and Central Kentucky. For the first time last year, there were three distinct bottles that depicted the pageantry, beauty, and power of Thoroughbred racing. Each featured a unique work by artist Sandra Oppegard, Andre Pater, or Tyler Robertson. These same artists will create new labels for each year’s commemorative release.

Each bottle will be signed by the artist whose work is featured on the label, along with Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin and Maker’s Mark Managing Director Rob Samuels. This year, each label will also include the signature of one of the three winningest female jockeys in Keeneland history: Julie Krone, Rosie Napravnik and Donna Barton Brothers.

This year’s three bottles will go on sale Friday, April 8.