LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Woodford Reserve unveiled its $5,000 Mint Julep Charity Cup program.
The distillery is selling 151 handcrafted julep cups, 51 fine polished pewter and 100 sterling silver with heavy 24 karat gold plate. The $5,000 cups were crafted by the Louisville jeweler From the Vault and designed by Josh Merideth of Makers Agency.
The cup honors the legendary fillies that have conquered the Derby’s illustrious course:
- Regret (1915)
- Genuine Risk (1980)
- Winning Colors (1988).
“As we anticipate the 151st Run for the Roses, we celebrate the exceptional fillies who have etched their names in Derby history,” said Elizabeth McCall, master distiller at Woodford Reserve. “Perhaps this year we will witness the crowning of another champion filly.”
Both the $5,000 and $1,000 cups are adorned with sterling silver accents, including the iconic Derby trophy, and embellished with lab-grown white and pink sapphires.
Net proceeds from the sale benefit Our Mims Retirement Haven. The sanctuary outside of Paris, Kentucky, is a retirement farm for fillies and broodmares. It’s named after the 1977 Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly, Our Mims. The organization was founded by Jeanne Mirabito.
“We are honored that the Woodford Reserve team selected us as the philanthropic partner of their mint julep charity cup program this year,” said Pete Mirabito, president of Our Mims. “Fillies and mares are the backbone of the industry. This partnership will allow us to further rescue, revitalize and care for these retired thoroughbred racehorses and broodmares.”
Cups can be pre-purchased and must be collected at Churchill Downs at the $5,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience during the Kentucky Oaks (Friday, May 2) and the Kentucky Derby (Saturday, May 3).
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