a Toast To SECRETARIAT

WRITTEN BY JOE RAUCCI

Secretariat and Woodford Reserve are both products of Kentucky’s fertile blue grass country. It is here that the most famous names in horse racing can trace their roots.They include Man O’ War, Count Fleet, Citation and a host of others that have made their mark on the American turf. Stories of their exploits, as breathtaking as they may be, are a subject for another day.

This year we celebrate Secretariat. His journey to immortality began with the ingredients that can only be found at the legendary horse farms of Kentucky. It is there at Claiborne Farm where Secretariat was conceived. Of note, his foaling and early training actually took place at Meadow Farm in the neighboring state of Virginia. After his brilliant racing career came to an end he would spend his remaining years as a sire at Claiborne.

The breeding of thoroughbred racehorses is not an exact science, although the combination of two proven bloodlines greatly enhance the chances for success. In Secretariat’s case the pedigrees of the great sires Bold Ruler and Princequillo would come together to produce a champion for the ages.

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of Secretariat’s race to the record books. It was in 1973 that the big chestnut colt reigned as the sports story of the decade. Secretariat became only the eighth Triple Crown winner. It had been a quarter century since the feat was last accomplished by the great Citation. It’s the unparalleled fashion of his victories that stands out in the lore of the sport. Secretariat set track records in all three races that comprise the series. The culmination was at the Belmont Stakes. In this one he annihilated his opponents with a breathtaking 31 length win. His name as one of the greatest American racehorses of all time became etched in stone.

Enter Woodford Reserve, one of Kentucky’s great names in bourbon whiskey. About an hour’s drive from Claiborne Farm, the city of Versailles is the site of the brand’s distillery. Here, in a historic brick and stone building dating back to 1838, the process of creating the bourbon takes place. Saratoga’s resident sommelier John R. Brophy has lent his expertise to explain what makes Woodford Reserve so special. John explains it this way. “The process begins with it’s ingredients. They are a proprietary blend of 72 percent corn along with lesser amounts of rye and malted barley. Their own yeast strain, along with on site natural spring water is also added. The fermented mash runs through both pot and column stills. While most distilleries opt for one or the other, Woodford Reserve combines both methods. At this point the distillate rests in new charred white oak barrels that are constructed at their cooperage. This self contained operation permits the most creative freedom to craft a truly unique product. After aging for approximately seven years to maturity, it is ready to be bottled and savored by bourbon enthusiasts the world over.”

John can be found at Saratoga’s Purdy’s Wine and Liquor. Here his expert knowledge of wines and spirits is on display. In 2018 Woodford Reserve was designated as the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.

To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Secretariat’s magical season of 1973, the distillery engaged equine artist and Kentucky native Jaime Corum to create the artwork for the label on this years commemorative bottle.

Her painting is a classic rendition of Secretariat and his jockey Ron Turcotte in the winner’s circle after his record setting Derby performance. The distinctive bottles are individually numbered.

They make the perfect gift for the horse racing fan, the discerning collector and those who expect only the very finest in taste and quality.

Once again, the familiar words “They’re off at Saratoga” are in the air. It was here at the Spa that Secretariat showcased three of his 16 career victories. It makes for the perfect venue to raise a tumbler of Woodford Reserve and offer a toast to the immortal Secretariat. Take a sip and savor the grandeur of this time honored bourbon whiskey. It will be a moment to remember.