“Greats of the Gate” Bottle Series Honors Champions, Supports Kentucky Charities

With an inaugural bottle honoring Man o'War to be released in October, Keeneland Race Course and Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon will launch a 10-year commemorative bottle series, “Greats of the Gate.” The series will celebrate Thoroughbred racing's most iconic horses, featuring a different horse each year.

“Keeneland and Maker's Mark have a rich history of working hand-in-hand to support organizations making an impact in Kentucky,” said Rob Samuels, Managing Director of Maker's Mark. “We're honored to partner each year in such a meaningful way, dating back to when Keeneland was our first customer serving Maker's Mark in the 1950s and setting the stage for decades of collaboration to follow.”

Proceeds from each year's “Greats of the Gate” bottle will benefit non-profits that support Kentucky culture, including the horse racing industry, hospitality and the arts. Over the course of the 10 years, Keeneland and Maker's Mark are committed to raising $4 million for various Kentucky non-profit organizations through this bottle series.

“Keeneland is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Maker's Mark to benefit both the Thoroughbred industry and our local communities,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Keeneland and Maker's Mark share a mission of service and philanthropy, and the commemorative bottles have been a fun way to engage our fans and support deserving organizations through the years.”

For the first three years of the 10-year series, the “Greats of the Gate” bottle will support Kentucky Harvest, Arts Center of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Farms Charities.

The Art Center of the Bluegrass connects people to art, culture, and creativity through exhibits, hands on art making, arts appreciation, and cultural experiences, while the mission of Kentucky Harvest is to end local hunger by connecting with food donors and engaging volunteers to rescue excess food and move it from those who have it to those in need.

Blue Grass Farms Charities (BGFC) provides health and human services to those who work in the Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Industry, including a much-needed food assistance program. Proceeds from the Man o' War bottle will support construction of a new food pantry located at The Thoroughbred Center (TTC) on Paris Pike.