Victory Drink of the Month: Belle Vodka’s Classic Belle, the ideal winner’s circle cocktail!

The Race: Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity

The Venue: Keeneland

The Date: Oct. 6, 2018

The Winner: Knicks Go

The Toast: To a longshot horse that brings one of the most intriguing storylines to the upcoming Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile during the World Championships’ Future Stars Friday on Nov. 2. Knicks Go sprung a 70-1 upset against a loaded field of 2-year-olds at Keeneland, giving trainer Ben Colebrook and jockey Albin Jimenez their first Grade 1 wins. The horse’s breeder, 26-year-old Sabrina Moore, recently spoke about the Knicks Go’s upbringing on the Oct. 13 podcast of “The Winner’s Circle,” presented by America’s Best Racing and SB Nation. To listen, click here.

After the Race: A back-to-basics cocktail for spending time on the move, especially at the various social events leading up to an action-packed 48 hours in Louisville (see below).  

What’s Next: Beginning on Oct. 29, horse racing’s biggest week outside of the Kentucky Derby takes place in the city that hosts the “fastest two minutes in sports”. Start with Equestricon, the second annual horse racing fan festival and convention, held on Oct. 29-30 at the Kentucky Convention Center in downtown Louisville (click here for ticket information and schedule of events). That’s a prelude to the 35^th annual Breeders’ Cup World Championships, featuring 14 graded stakes with purses of $30 million, held at iconic Churchill Downs on Nov. 2-3.

The Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of Belle Vodka
• Tonic water

How to Make It:

• Pour vodka into highball glass. Add ice, top with tonic water, and stir.
• Garnish with a lime wedge.