Several racetracks around the country have agreed to participate in Toast to Exceller day on Saturday to mark the 30th anniversary of Exceller’s victory over two Triple Crown winners in the 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes.

The event was designed to raise awareness for Thoroughbred racehorse retirement and adoption. This year’s Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park has attracted Horse of the Year Curlin among others.  

Each of the participating tracks will sell the signature cocktail “The Exceller” with profits from drink sales going to The Exceller Fund, which provides “a future beyond the finish line” for racehorses no longer able to compete. A video replay of Exceller’s triumph over Affirmed and Seattle Slew in the 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup is expected to be shown at participating tracks.

The tracks also have been asked to put a page in their printed programs describing Exceller’s historic victory, promote the namesake cocktail of vodka, Triple Sec, and apple, cranberry, and lime juices, and recognize the Exceller Fund as well as their local equine charity groups.

Mountaineer Race Track, Finger Lakes, Thistledown, Laurel Park, and Presque Isle Downs are among the tracks participating in the Toast to Exceller day.

“I can not thank our partner tracks enough for their support with this and I wish to especially thank the New York Racing Association for their commitment to the Exceller Fund that will be a lasting relationship for many years to come,” Exceller Fund President Gary Contessa said. “We need everyone in this business and fans to come on board and help us in any way that they can. These Thoroughbreds have been your livelihood or your passion. No donation is too small to make a difference.”

The Exceller Fund was founded to honor Exceller, whose life ended in a European slaughterhouse when he was deemed no longer useful as a breeding stallion.