As Kentucky Derby Fever Heats up, Woodford Reserve Offers Consumers a Chance to Become Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Consumers to Select Horse's Name, Jockey Silks and Receive Insider Training Updates

Thoroughbred ownership without the financial burden is now possible thanks to the creation of the Woodford Reserve Thoroughbred Society, an on-line community (www.woodfordreservestables.com) that allows registered consumers to become virtual "owners" of a thoroughbred racehorse.

Woodford Reserve, the nation's fastest growing small batch bourbon and fastest growing whiskey of any type in the U.S, launched the Thoroughbred Society in early April. Members of the Society will follow the progress of the Woodford Reserve Stables which recently purchased its first thoroughbred, a three-year old filly acquired from racing legend Steve Cauthen. The filly, as yet unnamed, will be trained by veteran trainer Paul McGee and stabled at Churchill Downs. Her first race is expected to be in late summer.

"Woodford Reserve has been associated with thoroughbred horse racing from its inception, and the Woodford Reserve Stables provides an opportunity for Woodford Reserve fans and horse racing fans to experience first hand the trials and tribulations of horse racing - without the cost," explained Tom Dempsey, Woodford Reserve Brand Manager.

Consumers can join the Woodford Reserve Thoroughbred Society for free by registering at www.woodfordreservestables.com. Members of the Society can vote on-line to determine the design of the jockey silks to be used for the stables and the name of the horse. Name choices, which have been registered with The Jockey Club, include: Angel's Share, Distill My Heart, Distiller's Girl, and Woodford Miss.

Members will also receive premium access to special events sponsored by Woodford Reserve and Churchill Downs and a membership certificate, lapel pin and photograph of the filly. To keep close watch over the horse's progress, members can access pedigree details, training session updates, and briefings from the trainers through the site.

Cauthen, a legendary jockey within thoroughbred racing circles, is best known for riding the 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed. McGee, a Louisville native based at Churchill Downs, trains over 40 thoroughbreds and won the 2003 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on Derby Day at Churchill Downs with Honor in War. "We think it is terrific that the first thoroughbred in the Woodford Reserve Stables was purchased from a racing legend like Steve Cauthen, and we are very fortunate to have a trainer of Paul McGee's stature," Dempsey said.

The Woodford Reserve Distillery is located in Woodford County, Kentucky, the very heart of the thoroughbred industry. 2005 is the seventh year the brand has been the "Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby" and sponsor of the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, the race immediately preceding the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. The Woodford Reserve Distillery receives nearly 60,000 visitors a year. Woodford Reserve retails for approximately $30 for a 750ml bottle and is available in 32 countries around the world.

Woodford Reserve, 45.2% ABV, is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BFB), a diversified company responsible for other quality consumer products including: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Canadian Mist, Fetzer and Bolla Wines, Korbel California Champagnes, Lenox, Dansk, and Gorham tableware and giftware, and Hartmann Luggage. Woodford Reserve reminds you to drink responsibly.