First off, we love the Kentucky Derby, but we have no idea what goes on behind the scenes because our racetrack experiences revolved around hot dogs, losing money and witnessing our mother win 90-1 long shots two to three times a day and joyously reveling in her streak of luck. Since we have no stats, let’s concentrate on booze. Things are a bit different in Kenturkey, where people wear funny hats, dresses and there’s a drink called the “Mint Julep” slutting up housewives and intoxicating compulsive gamblers throughout the track. The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Derby, but this year, for 99 exclusively rich bastards, a “special” $1,000 mint julep will be there’s for the sipping.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Secretariat’s victory in Kentucky Derby 99, Woodford Reserve is selling “the world’s most expensive mint julep cup” (99 of them, in fact), containing [LeRoy] Neiman’s artwork, precious jewels and 24-karat-gold plating. Yours for only $1,000 (a relative bargain when you include the oak box lined with a replica of Secretariat’s silks and learn that the proceeds will benefit The Secretariat Foundation).

Bullshit. Woodford Reserve did the same thing in 2006. But, alright. We’ll submit that a LeRoy Neiman drawing on a 24k gold plate is impressive. Besides that, this sounds like an overpriced mojito.

World’s Most Expensive Mint Julep Cup [NYTimes]
Video [CNN]