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Maker’s Mark® Commemorative Zenyatta Bottle Benefits Old Friends

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OLD FRIENDS FARM NAMED CHARITY BENEFICIARY OF 2016 BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS; FANS CAN RESERVE A MAKER’S MARK® COMMEMORATIVE ZENYATTA BOTTLE THROUGH DONATION TO OLD FRIENDS

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 29, 2016) – Continuing its collaboration to raise funds for important causes, the Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark® announced today that Old Friends Farm, home to some of the most popular retired Thoroughbred race horses, has been named the official charity beneficiary of the 2016 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

The Breeders’ Cup, the most prestigious international two-day event, consisting of 13 races and purses and awards totaling $28 million, will be held on November 4-5 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

Fans can contribute to Old Friends and receive a Maker’s Mark® limited edition commemorative Zenyatta bottle, the first and only female horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, by making a donation and attending the Championships for Charity celebration on November 2 in Arcadia, Calif.

This year, Ann and Jerry Moss, owners of Zenyatta during her racing career, worked with both Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark® in selecting Old Friends as the beneficiary of the 2016 bottle program.  

Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark® have collaborated on a three-year program offering a limited-edition, five-bottle collection featuring a few of the most legendary Champions in Breeders’ Cup history. Each bottle pays tribute with a customized design and signature from each Champion’s connections. In the first year of the program, Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark® offered fans the opportunity to donate towards the first three limited-edition commemorative bottles of Breeders’ Cup Champions A.P. Indy, Lure and Personal Ensign. In 2017, a limited-edition commemorative Maker’s Mark® bottle of Cigar will be offered.

To support Old Friends, fans can reserve a bottle at www.breederscup.com/championsforcharity by making a $400 donation to receive a 2016 Maker’s Mark® limited-edition commemorative Zenyatta bottle. Once the donation has been made, those donors can collect their bottles at Arcadia Night: Salute to Zenyatta, which will take place on Wednesday, November 2 at the Gold Line Plaza, in Arcadia. In addition to collecting the commemorative bottle, the evening will include live music, local food trucks and signature Breeders’ Cup cocktails, among other special amenities. 

“In conjunction with Maker’s Mark, we are very proud that Old Friends Farm, represented by the passion and dedication of Michael Blowen, is our chartable beneficiary this year,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO, Craig Fravel. “We recognize the importance as an industry of taking care of retired racehorses after they have given so much to us during their racing careers. We also look forward to many fans of Thoroughbred racing supporting this worthy cause with their donations to receive a commemorative bottle of Zenyatta, one of our greatest and most popular champions.”

Breeders’ Cup Champions Alphabet Soup (1996 Classic), Eldaafer (2010 Marathon) and Amazombie (2011 Sprint) are in residence at Old Friends

“We are flattered and grateful to have been chosen by Jerry and Ann Moss, as well as Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark, for this prestigious campaign,” said Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, which is based in Georgetown, Ky. “The Mosses have been strong supporters of this organization almost since its inception, and we are so proud to be working with them on this remarkable tribute to the remarkable Zenyatta,” Blowen continued. “The impact this contribution will have on our retirees will be invaluable, and we just can’t thank everyone enough.”

“Maker’s Mark has always had a strong connection to the thoroughbred racing community, and we’re excited to continue that relationship with this exclusive charitable program,” said Rob Samuels, 8thgeneration whisky producer and COO of Maker’s Mark. “The organization at Old Friends has a terrific mission and one that we’re proud to support, specifically with these Zenyatta commemorative bottles that capture the beauty of horse racing and the deliciousness of Maker’s Mark Bourbon.”

About Old Friends Farm

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. It’s Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has two satellite facilities: Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield Center, N.Y., and Old Friends at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, KY. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

About Maker’s Mark® & Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

In 1954, at a small Victorian distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a pioneering handmade bourbon that, for the first time, would appeal both to bourbon and to non-bourbon drinkers alike, that tasted good and exemplified good taste, and wouldn’t “blow your ears off,” which was the measure by which bourbons were judged at the time. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches of 19 barrels, developed a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness of his whisky, and then rotated each barrel by hand to ensure exposure to consistent temperatures throughout the warehouse, and, ultimately, he aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., unknowingly and unintentionally, fired the shot that started the Bourbon Revolution, and transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handcrafted spirit, giving rise to the modern era of bourbon. Today, Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon the same way Bill Samuels, Sr., did 60 years ago, in small batches by craftsmen who hand-dip each bottle. In 2010, in tribute to his father’s spirit of innovation, Bill Samuels, Jr., unveiled Maker’s 46®, a totally new bourbon that reflects the distinct character of Maker’s Mark® but has a bigger, bolder and complex taste without any hint of bitterness. In 2014, a limited 375ml bottling of Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, which is Maker’s Mark- uncut and unaltered, was released to select markets. The limited launch of Maker’s Mark Cask Strength generated tremendous enthusiasm and positive feedback, prompting a nationwide introduction of 750ml bottles in 2015. Maker’s Mark® Bourbon (45% alc./vol.), Maker’s 46R (47% alc./vol.) and Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength™ Bourbon Whisky, (54%-57% alc./vol.) are distilled, aged and bottled by the Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., in Loretto, Kentucky. In 1980, the distillery was designated a National Historic Landmark, becoming the first distillery in America to be so recognized, and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records®. The Maker’s Mark Distillery is one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, please visit the Maker’s Mark® website (www.makersmark.com).

About Breeders’ Cup 

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2016 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 13 grade I races and purses and awards totaling $28 million, will be held November 4-5 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

77 Comments

  4. / Reply

    An outstanding tribute to the Queen and Team Z. Congratulations ! No better recipient than Old Friends for all they do.

  5. / Reply

    This is a great cause, and I hope it is very successful! Bravo to the Mosses for their unending support of Old Friends!

  6. / Reply

    I was so very fortunate to visit “Old Friends” with a personal tour guide Michael Blowen.
    This is just a wonderful cause and this Zenyatta bottle of Makers Mark I think is a wonderful tribute to Zenyatta and Old Friends. Just awesome. Ann & Jerry you do not surprise me as you have always been wonderful charitable people.
    I live in Wi. and can not get out to Santa Anita for the Breeders Cup. Pooh! just like every horse does. ha I hope this is such a big success.
    hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Sally, if you cannot be in CA for Breeders’ Cup, or the event in Lexington, KY on Nov. 16 to pick up your bottle, Breeders’ Cup will make arrangements to get your bottle to you. You can call Old Friends (502) 863-1775 for more info.

  8. / Reply

    Zenyatta my lovely Queen I will not be by a computer for over 10 days.
    I can not wish you a good night with kisses for over 10 days!
    Know that I love you Zenyatta with kisses and all of your colts
    Z princess and my dear Sir until the end of time.
    Auntie Sally B

  9. / Reply

    Dear Judy.A day of memories for British racing fans remembering Kauto.I posted my tribute on the previous blog.The chicks got pretty wet today but thank goodness it cleared up later.Wimbledon is fortunate to have a roof on the centre court but hardly any play on the outside courts.William Buick failed in his appeal so will be off all next month!Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Missed saying goodnight to you last night. Beautiful Kauto; wish he could have had a long, happy life. The weather’s not cooperating is it for the chicks or Wimbledon. Hope it improves.

      Hudson placed first in a Flat Hunter Class of 10 on Sunday and she placed in four of her 6 classes for the day. She’s doing better all the time. Love and Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Dear Shirlee Cook, I will keep everyone updated on Night Prowler. Just love him so much. Met him when he was a yearling. Will always follow him
    Thank You so much for asking about him.

  13. / Reply

    Don’t want to take up too much space here in this wonderful new news, but in case I am not back before the weekend. Always prayers for safety for all horses races and hugs sent to Rachel’s Valentina on Saturday. Welcome back.
    Sheer Drama, see you another day. Love You.

    • / Reply

      Peggy,
      I will be a nervous wreck by the time Little Rachel aka Rachel’s Valentina finishes her race. I worry about both her and The Red Prince every time they race. Feel like a “granny” to each.

  14. / Reply

    Zenyatta, I am pace pace pacing. So hope your in foal. So hope we hear something soon.
    If you are or you are not doesn’t matter, but I’m sure hoping for a “Yes, In Foal”
    Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend my wonderful Girl. Love you Always.

    Happy 4th of July to everyone, and everyone stay safe.

  15. / Reply

    Dear Judy, Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend.
    Dear Terry Crow, Have a wonderful 4th, Thank You again for lifting my Dad’s name up at the Veterans Celebration on Monday

  16. / Reply

    Wonderful news and such an outstanding cause, too! Old Friends is a great operation and so deserving of this honor. Kudos to Maker’s Mark Distillery and Breeders’ Cup.

    Many thanks to the Mosses and, of course, to Queen Z!!

    Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      It is a most beautiful commemorative bottle with Zenyatta and her colors gracing the design! The contents of the bottle is excellent, too.

      Cheers!

    • / Reply

      Since we are talking about bottles, must share with you all a discussion several of us had over on the Forum a few weeks ago. Somehow we were talking about feeding all the horses at Old Friends and how it was a bit of a messy affair. Someone suggested that horsey slobber was good for the skin and that Old Friends should bottle and sell it in their gift shop as skin care. Any potential buyers out there? What could they call it? Silver Charm moisturizer? War Emblem wrinkle cream?

  18. / Reply

    June 30 Cherokee Devotional

    Late in the evening when the sun has almost set and activity begins to slow, it is so nice to sit in the garden to watch the birds taking their evening baths and to hear the night bird tuning up his evening song. It is almost mystical, as only a change of light can make it. Jet trails in the last rays of sunlight draw and redraw their lines in the sky. But way up there, they cannot catch the scent of petunias blooming down here.
    Everyone deserves something beautiful to slow his or her pace at the end of the day. Don’t count the things that were accomplished this day, don’t regret, don’t entertain thoughts that distress-just relax and touch the earth and see the sky. Let this be a time of gratitude.

    May they always remember their relatives at the four quarters, and may they know that they are related to all that moves upon the universe…
    –Slow Buffalo, Lakota

    • / Reply

      Beautiful. Thank you, Kathy.
      Our evening skies are filled with Chimney Swifts. Now an amazing sight decending into a huge chimney in our downtown….thousands!
      Still love the sweet barn swallows, too, singing to their horsey friends.

  19. / Reply

    When we were at Old Friends, we learned that this was coming. Hope it brings in a lot of money. Michael works tirelessly for the horses. So glad he has Zenny for a partner. Hugs to all.

  20. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.In my old home I could see the sun rise and set miss it so much now but the sun(when it’s out)fills my bathroom of an evening.Our FB’s were so full of memories of Kauto yesterday.There is an overnight vigil at Westminster Abbey tonight to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.Her Majesty and Prince Philip are attending this evening and Will,Kate and Harry are travelling out there for the services.It is also the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings this year.We do love our history.
    A shock today to hear that Bojo is not in the running to become PM he has been stabbed in the back by Michael Gove who has decided to run himself.Theresa May is a big favourite now.I had no idea Larry the Downing street cat was on twitter and has 52,000 followers.He is in the running too!!!Mr Fibbs and Larry would get on well.Life goes on regardless though the FTSE is back to normal and the pound is doing well.It’s cool and rainy here today and it’s expected to get damp at Wimbledon too.I am sure the rain is responsible for the chicks growth spurt this week!Cute photo of Boo and Buddy.Great Zoeism I have lost count of the teams she supports but the Chicago cubs won.Wales big match tomorrow night.Mr Fibbs was snacking in his sleep.He will need all his strength.Now I realised you will not need to turtle on Monday!!!Hope the pups cope with the fireworks.I heard Chuck Borell has been arrested.Such a sad case those poor horses.Have a great day.Will look out for photos of the Royal Family for you.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

  21. / Reply

    Thank you for sharing the news of this beautiful bottle which will certainly bring in many donations for Old Friends. The generosity and kind spirit of the Mosses and all of Team Z knows no bounds. Thanks!!

  22. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    There’s something so magical about sunrises and sunsets. I enjoyed your pics of Kauto yesterday. He was so magnificent. Never to be forgotten. Enjoy all of the commemorations coming up. 950th anniversary!!! That’s AMAZING!!! Lots of craziness going on in politics on both sides of the pond. I’ll bet Larry has a lot of backers! Yes, he and Fibbs would get on very well. Glad the FTSE is back to normal and the pound is doing well. Boy, that would be tough playing tennis in the rain. Glad the chicks responded well to the rain. Yes, I enjoyed the pic of Boo and Buddy. They are SO photogenic! Zoe just as cute and wise as ever. Get your snacks all lined up for the big match tomorrow night. I don’t think I get up in the night and eat in my sleep. What a problem that would be! We’re all delighted that we have Monday off. I think Nikko will be very nervous but Sugar will take it all in stride. Chuck Borell SHOULD be arrested. Horrible case. Happy Friday Eve. thank you in advance for keeping me up to date with the Royals! Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  24. / Reply

    Bonjour Zenyatta,

    This is nice but what about those horses who are sold at auction and
    brought to the slaughterhouses?

    This is so tragic.

    Have people forgotten them?

    I have not, and I placed a “dedication” to them in my new book (2016)
    “Grieving and Loving My Extraordinary Dogs.”

    I also mention you, Zenyatta, and 3 of your children my new book, too.
    All positive, of course.

    Love to you, Zenyatta!

    Thank you!

    Lise from Maine

    • / Reply

      Dear Lise,
      Just ordered your book on Amazon. So excited to read it! I’ll post a review as soon as it arrives and I’ve read it. Congratulations on being an author! God’s blessings and kind regards, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Dear Lise,

      Congratulations on your new book! It sounds wonderful.

      May I say that a lot of us here on the blog donate to many rescue organizations who save unfortunate horses that are headed to the awful auctions and slaughterhouses. We do not forget for one moment about these and other creatures as well. Zenny and the Mosses inspire us!

      Hugs and Love

  26. / Reply

    Great fundraising idea for Michael. Probably American Pharoah, Chromie and maybe some of the classic horses like Seabiscuit and Secretariat will be next. Yet Michael started with Zenny, who has a huge family who adore her out there…good idea. Besides, this is another way to keep Zen in the news and show her incomparable reputation as a great race horse and an even greater old soul. Zenyatta, I love you–always have, always will.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Zenny and Fan Family,
    Missed you and your news and fans while on our trip. So wonderful that you are again helping a worthy charitable cause. Love Old Friends! Looking forward to catching up on all of your news and your fans’ news the past month we were gone. with love, Elizabeth

  29. / Reply

    The Mosses prove yet again what a class act they are in an “industry” that so often proves to be just the opposite. If only all the owners were like them and all the trainers were like John (and Dottie) what a different sport thoroughbred racing would be. And we only have to look at our darling Zenny to see what love and kindness and patience can do… P.S. Just saw the movie “DARK-HORSE” and recommend it to everyone who loves racing…put it on your Netflix queue!

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