The 134th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2008 marked the 35th anniversary of Secretariat’s historic Triple Crown championship. In a celebratory collaboration with Churchill Downs, Woodford Reserve and the Secretariat Foundation, a total of only 99 sterling silver and gold vermeil julep cups were produced incorporating a full-color medallion a LeRoy Neiman’s commemorative Secretariat 35th Anniversary Derby artwork, carefully engraved with the champion’s name and accompanied by a sterling silver sipping straw.
Derby julep cups have historically proven to be highly collectible, but special offerings, such as this one, have been known to skyrocket in value. Initially offered for $1,000, the Woodford Reserve Secretariat/Neiman cups are particularly prized and rarely offered publicly. This singular cup is truly unique, the first to be produced and presented to Ms. Chenery by the esteemed Bourbon distillery during the Derby festivities, always maintained a place of proud esteem within the private collection of Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery.