Old Friends Farm, home to some of the most popular retired race horses and several Breeders' Cup winners, has been named the official charity beneficiary of the 2016 Breeders' Cup World Championships. The selection of Old Friends as a beneficiary continues the collaboration between the Breeders' Cup and Maker's Mark to raise funds for important causes.
Fans can contribute to Old Friends and receive a Maker's Mark limited edition commemorative Zenyatta bottle by making a $400 donation through the Breeders' Cup website.
Once the donation has been made, donors can collect their bottles at Arcadia Night: Salute to Zenyatta, which will take place Nov. 2 at the Gold Line Plaza in Arcadia, Calif. The evening will also include live music, local food trucks, and signature Breeders' Cup cocktails, among other special amenities.
This year, Zenyatta's owners Ann and Jerry Moss worked with both Breeders' Cup and Maker's Mark in selecting Old Friends as the beneficiary of the 2016 bottle program.
"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. "The impact this contribution will have on our retirees will be invaluable, and we just can't thank everyone enough."
The Zenyatta bottle is the latest in the series of the five-bottle collection, part of the three-year program launched by Breeders' Cup and Maker's Mark. The bottles feature a few of the most legendary champions in Breeders' Cup history, and each bottle pays tribute with a customized design and signature from each champion's connections.
The first three bottles honored A.P. Indy, Lure, and Personal Ensign. Next year's offering, the final bottle in the collection, will recognize Cigar.
"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 charitable beneficiary this year," said Craig Fravel, Breeders' Cup president and chief executive officer. "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."
"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, chief operating officer 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."
