Edited press releaseThe Kentucky Derby (gr. I) victory by Triple Crown champion Secretariat will be commemorated by Churchill Downs in a limited edition offering of Kentucky Derby mint julep glasses that highlight the track record set by "Big Red" in the 1973 Run for the Roses.
Churchill Downs, in partnership with
www.secretariat.com, will offer a limited number of 2006 Kentucky Derby mint julep glasses that include a symbol designating Secretariat's record time of 1:59 2/5 for the Derby - a record that stands 33 years after his victory. The special edition 2006 Derby glass features a small stopwatch adjacent to the name of Secretariat on its roster of the 131 previous Kentucky Derby winners, along with a key notation that displays his record winning time.
The limited edition glasses will be available for purchase through two sources: three Kentucky Derby week on-track appearances at Churchill Downs by Ron Turcotte, the retired Hall of Fame jockey who rode Secretariat in the Kentucky Derby, and online at
www.secretariat.com.
Turcotte will sign the glasses and other collectibles at Churchill Downs May 4; Kentucky Oaks Day, May 5; and Kentucky Derby Day, May 6. Specific locations and times for the Churchill Downs appearances by Turcotte will be announced later. Availability of the limited edition glasses will be guaranteed to the first 250 purchasers at each of Turcotte's on-track appearances.
Individual special edition glasses may be purchased for $25, or $40 if the glass is hand-signed by Turcotte. Glasses bearing Turcotte's signature will also be available for purchase at
www.secretariat.com.
"Although it has been more than 30 years since his victory in the Kentucky Derby, Secretariat remains truly special to racing fans throughout North America and the world," said Turcotte. "I am honored to share my experiences with this great horse and to join his fans in celebrating the memory of 'Big Red's' incredible record-setting performance at Churchill Downs."
Kentucky Derby mint julep glasses have been produced annually by Churchill Downs since 1938. The track has occasionally produced alternate versions of the event's official mint julep glass.