FLORENCE, Ky., Feb. 10, 2011 – Before he retires in April after 35 years at the helm of premier bourbon distillery Maker’s Mark, Bill Samuels Jr. will receive a fond farewell from Northern Kentucky. The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will salute Samuels at Bourbon, Bill and ‘Breds, a special cocktail reception in conjunction with the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes post position draw at Turfway Park on Wednesday, March 23.

Scheduled from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Maker’s Mark VIP Tent, the social networking and happy hour event keys on three of Kentucky’s most cherished traditions: handmade bourbon, Thoroughbred racing, and storytelling.

Tickets are $25 and include admission to the reception, appetizers from Turfway Park Executive Chef Peter Haubi and one drink ticket. A cash bar will be available as well.

A highlight of Bourbon, Bill and ‘Breds will be the drawing of entries for the $500,000 Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (G3), to be run the following Saturday, March 26, at Turfway Park. NBC commentator and Turfway Park handicapper Mike Battaglia will be on hand to set the morning line odds for the race, which prepares three-year-olds hoping to earn their way to the Kentucky Derby. The draw will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Maker’s Mark has sponsored the VIP Tent at the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes since 2003 and from 2004 through 2010 annually released a special bottle commemorating the race.

Tickets to Bourbon, Bill and ‘Breds are available by calling (859) 578-6384 or online at http://www.nkychamber.com. Ticket sales benefit the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.