Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has announced an extension of its partnership with Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. This will solidify the alcohol brand as the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby until 2027.
Woodford Reserve has been ‘The Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby’ since 1999 and its presenting sponsor since 2018. It is owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation.
CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen commented: “We are thrilled to welcome back Woodford Reserve as the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby for the next five years.
“We are pleased to build upon this partnership between two global entities that represent the unique culture and unbridled spirit of Kentucky. Brown-Forman’s brand offerings are the ideal complement to the heritage of this time-honored tradition.”
To commemorate the renewal of this sponsorship, Woodford Reserve made a specialized oak barrel that will be used in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs racetrack. This barrel will contain a very rare bourbon that will celebrate the milestone 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024.
Brown-Forman CEO Lawson Whiting commented: “We are proud to renew this partnership, as it unites together two of Kentucky’s greatest attractions, bourbon and thoroughbreds.”
Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris reflected Whiting’s enthusiasm regarding the partnership extension. He said: “We are excited for the next five years, and we are honored to continue our partnership with Churchill Downs by creating this very special bottle for Derby 150.
“On the first Saturday in May, no matter where in the world we are, we are all Kentuckians with a glass of Woodford Reserve in hand.”
The bourbon brand will continue to leverage existing partnerships associated with the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs and the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The partnership renewal extends to three additional Brown-Forman brands: Old Forester, Finlandia and Herradura.
