LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Derbyโข and โฃKentucky Oaks-winning trainer kenny McPeekโ is โขpartnering with Bluegrass Distillers to release a commemorative bourbon bottle, with proceeds benefiting injured jockey Brian Hernandez and the Permanently โฃDisabled Jockeys Fund.
hernandez was seriously injured in a fall at Churchill Downs this past weekend, sustaining injuries to his ribs, liver, and lungs. He is expected to be out of work for approximately three months โwhile recovering.
“Brian โคis an extremely talentedโ rider, somebody thatโ we depend on and, like I said, aโ big part of what we do,” McPeek said. McPeek and Hernandezโฃ have collaborated for over a decade, achieving more than 35 graded stakes wins together.
The bourbon,โฃ a 9-year-old blend, will honor McPeek’sโฃ 2024 Kentucky Oaks winner, Thorpedoโ Anna. McPeek anticipates strong collector interest in the bottles.
A portion of the proceeds will also support the Permanently disabled Jockeys Fund, which currently assists 49 members. The fund previously provided support to Ron Turcotte, Secretariat’s jockey, who passed away in August.
“Horse racing has โคtheโฃ highest rate of concussion of any sport, even more than football,” explained Joe Clabes, Executiveโฃ Director โof the Permanently Disabledโ Jockeys Fund. “Fallingโ from a horse that’s standing still can cause injury, โbut racing falls happen at speedsโฃ of 35โ to 45 miles an hour.” He added, “This is pretty much in โฃcharacter โคfor Kenny to do something to help others, and so it’s great to see.”
The release date for the โคThorpedo Anna commemorative bourbon has not yet been announced.
Those interested in donating directly to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys fund can findโข more facts at https://pdjf.org/.