with Special Guests Hall of Fame Trainer Bob Baffert and Breeders’ Cup Ambassador Bo Derek
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 6, 2020) — The Breeders’ Cup, one of Thoroughbred horse racing’s most prestigious international events, today announces special guests Bob Baffert and Bo Derek for the next installment of Cocktails & Conversation, the recurring virtual happy hour series designed to rally the horse racing industry’s most prominent figures to raise funds for communities that have been profoundly impacted by COVID-19.
The next Cocktails & Conversation broadcast, airing Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m. ET via Breeders’ Cup’s Twitter, YouTube and Facebook pages, will mark the fifth installment of the series. Hosted by Nick Luck and Britney Eurton of NBC Sports and ‘21’ Club mixologist and creator of Breeders’ Cup’s official cocktails Mark Tubridy, Thursday’s virtual happy hour will feature special appearances by longtime Breeders’ Cup participants and personalities Bob Baffert and Bo Derek. Baffert, a winner of 15 Breeders’ Cup races, including consecutive wins in the Breeders’ Cup Classic from 2014 to 2016, has three undefeated colts pointed to this September’s Kentucky Derby in Charlatan and Nadal, who each won a division of last Saturday’s Arkansas Derby (G1), and Authentic, winner of the San Felipe Stakes (G2). Derek, a film and television actress, producer, author, model, horse owner, equestrian rider and former California racing commissioner, serves as a Breeders’ Cup Ambassador.
The live stream will commence with Mark Tubridy leading a virtual mixology class for viewers, creating two refreshing cocktails to enjoy at home during the broadcast: the Aperol Spritz Royale with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and a Whiskey Sour with Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Following the cocktail mixing segment, the broadcast will feature conversational interviews with Baffert and Derek, who will offer their insightful perspectives and thoughts on daily life, the latest developments in sports and horse racing and other everyday topics. Fans will be able to submit questions via social media for hosts and guests to answer during the broadcast for a uniquely interactive experience. Throughout the cocktail hour, viewers will be encouraged to donate to industry workers and communities in need through the official Breeders’ Cup website.
Tapping all-star talents such as Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, 15-time Breeders’ Cup-winning trainer Chad Brown and the NBC Sports’ horse racing broadcasting team, Breeders’ Cup has already raised thousands of dollars through previous broadcasts.
Race Track Chaplaincy of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the horse racing community through social services, food and clothing banks and educational workshops.
USBG National Charity Foundation, which supports bartenders, barbacks and bar servers throughout the nation who have been financially impacted by restaurant and bar shutdowns as a result of the health crisis.
Restaurant Workers Relief Program, a project jointly formed by Maker’s Mark and the Lee Initiative that has transformed restaurants in major cities into relief centers that offer food and supplies to affected hospitality workers.
To learn more about the virtual happy hour series and to support those in need, please visit BreedersCup.com/donate.
Breeders’ Cup Press Release
Collage art by MbKalinich
