Woodford Reserve has unveiled the 2023 edition of their annual Kentucky Derby bottle.
This year’s release celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of the race’s most iconic moments: Secretariat winning the 1973 Derby.
The bottle features artwork from Kentucky native Jaime Corum, known for her horse portraits. Her painting captures Secretariat in the Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs, with the Garland of Roses draped over the colt’s withers.
The bottle retails for $55 and is available for purchase globally. A special presale on ReserveBar begins March 1.
Secretariat is considered one of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time. A Triple Crown winner, he still holds the record for the fastest race time at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont.
“This is our most collectible Derby bottle yet, as Secretariat is perhaps the most revered and most loved racehorse in history,” says Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “Even 50 years after his stunning achievement, Secretariat’s Triple Crown run is still considered one of the most iconic achievements in sports.”
Corum has spent many years riding horses, painting and drawing them as well, and continued to focus on her equine subject after receiving her Masters of Fine Arts from The University of Kentucky.
“I hope that my painting for this year’s Woodford Reserve Derby bottle, ‘Still The Greatest’, allows us to remember that moment of dreamlike perfection when Secretariat won the 1973 Kentucky Derby,” Corum said. “I have been honored to paint Secretariat many times over the years, but this one is truly special to me, as it celebrates his 50th anniversary and is paired with Woodford Reserve.”
Woodford Reserve’s Derby bottle has been an annual collector’s item since 1999. The whiskey brand is the presenting sponsor of the race.
This follows the recent release of Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Historic Barrel Entry.