(edited press release)

Since 2003, every jockey who has won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) has attended the Mint Jubilee Gala on the eve prior to his victory. Calvin Borel, who rode Street Sense to Derby victory May 5, was no exception.

Upon arrival at the May 4 Mint Jubilee Gala, Borel autographed authentic jockey silks, embellished with a design that mirrors the iconic image of Maker’s Mark’s signature red sealing wax. Borel, a Louisville resident, is the 45th North American rider in history to score 4,000 victories and adds Kentucky Derby 2007 to his list of accomplishments.

Many jockeys believe it is good luck to attend the Mint Jubilee, which benefits the Brown Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club Louisville and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. This year, Morton’s The Steakhouse partnered with Maker’s Mark to provide the silks for an auction to benefit the Mint Jubilee Charities.

All of the Kentucky Derby jockeys who attended the Mint Jubilee provided their autographs. Other legendary Derby-winning jockeys who signed the silks include Pat Day (Lil E tee ’92), Chris McCarron (Alysheba ’87, Go for Gin ’94), Laffit Pincay, Jr. (Swale ’84), Mike Manganello (Dust Commander ’70), Ray York (Determined ’54), Bill Boland (Middleground ’50), and Triple Crown winner Jean Cruguet (Seattle Slew ’77).

"We at Maker's Mark are always happy to celebrate Kentucky's finest, especially bourbon, fine horses and our very own Calvin Borel,” said Bill Samuels, Jr. of Makers Mark.  “We raise our bourbon glasses to salute Calvin and his rail-riding victory.”

The community is invited to see the jockey silks on display and bid on the item by visiting Morton’s The Steakhouse, 626 W. Main Street, through June 20, 2007. Bids may also be submitted at www.KyDerbyFundraiser.com. The silks will be framed and the winning bidder announced by Bill Samuels, Jr. on June 27, 2007 at a fundraising reception to be held at Morton’s The Steakhouse.
Mr. Samuels will also sign the silks.

For more information, call (502) 584-0421 or visit www.Mortons.com.