LEXINGTON, Ky. — Keeneland Race Course and Maker’s Mark announced the launch of a 10-year commemorative bottle series to celebrate Thoroughbred racing’s “most iconic horses.” The series is called “Greats of the Gate” and will feature a different horse each year for the duration of the series.

“Keeneland and Maker’s Mark have a rich history of working hand-in-hand to support organizations making an impact in Kentucky,” said Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark. “We’re honored to partner each year in such a meaningful way, dating back to when Keeneland was our first customer serving Maker’s Mark in the 1950s and setting the stage for decades of collaboration to follow.” 

The first bottle pays homage to Lexington-foaled Man o’ War, who competed from 1919 to 1920, winning 20 of 21 races, including the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. The limited edition bottle is wrapped in yellow and black — Man o’ War’s racing colors — and features an illustration of the horse by Kentucky artist Tyler Robertson. The horse is shown on both sides of the bottle in streaks of yellow to connote him coming around the final turn and heading into the final stretch. The bottle’s crown will be dipped in bright yellow wax and topped with a black silk ribbon.

The proceeds from each year’s commemorative bottle will benefit nonprofits that support Kentucky culture, including the horseracing industry, hospitality and the arts. In a news release, Keeneland and Maker’s Mark said they are committed to raising $4 million for Kentucky nonprofit organizations through the series.

For the first three years, “Greats of the Gate” sales will support Kentucky Harvest, Arts Center of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Farm Charities.

The bottle will arrive in October exclusively at select Kentucky stores that sell Maker’s Mark.