The 2021 Keeneland Maker’s Mark Bottle Commemorates Jockey Isaac Murphy
As the Keeneland Spring Meet 2021 horse races kickoff in Lexington, the anticipation for annual Commemorative bourbon bottles builds. Since 1997, makers Mark Distillery and Keeneland race course have collaborated on a limited edition bottle to raise money for worthy causes across Kentucky. For the first time ever, The Keeneland Maker’s Mark bottle 2021 edition will feature three distinct bottles.
The Loretto, KY bourbon distillery said in their release that the sales from this year’s collaboration that the proceeds will benefit LexArts and its work on behalf of the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden in Lexington. This garden is the first park in the U.S. to honor black jockeys.
SEE ALSO: 2023 Keeneland Maker’s Mark Bottle Release for Spring Meet
The 2021 Keeneland Makers Mark Bottle Commemorates Jockey Isaac Murphy
As the Keeneland Spring Meet 2021 horse races kickoff in Lexington, the anticipation for annual Commemorative bourbon bottles builds. Since 1997, makers Mark Distillery and Keeneland race course have collaborated on a limited edition bottle to raise money for worthy causes across Kentucky. For the first time ever, The Keeneland makers Mark bottle 2021 Edition will feature three distinct bottles.
Each of the 2021 Keeneland Maker’s Mark bottles will feature its own unique labels and artwork from Kentucky-based artists. The artwork of Sandra Oppegard, Andre Pater, and Tyler Robertson will be on display for this release. These labels will represent the pageantry, beauty, and power of Thoroughbred racing.
SEE ALSO: 2022 Keeneland Maker’s Mark Bottle Release for Spring Meet
In years past, there was a bottle signing at Keeneland which also coincides with the Maker’s Mark Mile race. However, this year all labels will be pre-signed to adjust for safety protocols. Autographs will include the artists of each respective bottle in addition to signatures from Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin, Maker’s Mark Managing Director Rob Samuels, and one of the three active Hall of Fame jockeys who’ve won the Maker’s Mark Mile multiple times. Those jockeys include, Javier Castellano, Edgar Prado, and John Velazquez.
SEE ALSO: Maker’s Mark RC6 Limited Edition
Legendary Jockey, Isaac Murphy
This Keeneland Racing and Maker’s Mark limited release commemorates the legendary jockey Isaac Murphy. He began life as the son of a slave, and went on to accomplish one of the most decorated jockey careers in the sport of horse racing.
His accomplishments were internationally renowned in his day, and some are still unparalleled today after more than 100 years. Murphy won the Kentucky Derby three times just for starters. Moreover, he’s the only jockey in history to have won the Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Clark Handicap all in the same year. That year was 1884. He was among the first group of jockeys inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame.
SEE ALSO: Keeneland Live Racing: How to Watch Spring Meet
Isaac Murphy was also a Lexington resident, and the garden which will bear his name is actually on the same plot of land that he once owned. He was originally buried in African Cemetery #2 in Lexington, then moved to the Kentucky Horse Park where he now lies amongst other another Kentucky legend, Man o’ War.
Proceeds Benefit LexArts
The Loretto, KY bourbon distillery said in their release that the sales from this year’s collaboration that the proceeds will benefit LexArts and its work on behalf of the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden in Lexington. This garden is the first park in the U.S. to honor black jockeys.
SEE ALSO: Keeneland Releases Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Bottle
Where to Buy
This commemorative bottle release goes on sale starting on April 2nd, 2021. This is a Makers Mark limited edition bottle release will be available across select retailers in Kentucky. Check with your local liquor stores for more information on distribution. Most stores that receive distribution on this release, should also receive all three bottles. That’s if someone hasn’t gotten the one you wanted first. Good luck hunting!
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