Horses

Grab a drink with Bo Derek and Bob Baffert? You can tonight.

There are no positives amid a pandemic. But there are opportunities you might otherwise never come across.

On Thursday evening, the Breeders’ Cup is offering one such moment.

Much the way John Calipari has been raising money and entertaining his followers with his “Coffee with Cal” show on Facebook Live, the Breeders’ Cup has been hosting what it calls “Cocktails & Conversation.”

Special guests on Thursday’s showing are Bo Derek and Bob Baffert.

When (if?) Keeneland hosts the Breeders’ Cup World Championships this November in Lexington, you’ll quite possibly spot both of them on the grounds. Will you get close enough to ask a question? Probably not. Tonight’s “Cocktails & Conversation” show, scheduled to air at 6 p.m. EDT on the Breeders’ Cup’s Twitter, YouTube and Facebook pages, affords that opportunity.

“Cocktails & Conversation,” presenting its fifth installment Thursday night, raises funds for communities that have been profoundly affected by COVID-19. The show is hosted by Nick Luck and Britney Eurton of NBC Sports and Mark Tubridy, mixologist for the 21 Club and creator of official Breeders’ Cup cocktails.

Baffert, a winner of 15 Breeders’ Cup races and two Triple Crowns, has three undefeated colts pointed to this September’s Kentucky Derby in Charlatan and Nadal, who each won a division of last Saturday’s Arkansas Derby, and Authentic, winner of the San Felipe Stakes.

Derek, a film and television actress, producer, author, model, horse owner, equestrian rider and former California racing commissioner, serves as a Breeders’ Cup ambassador.

The livestream will begin with Tubridy leading a virtual mixology class for viewers, creating two cocktails to enjoy at home during the broadcast. Following that will be conversational interviews with Baffert and Derek, who will discuss daily life in addition to sports and horse racing. Fans will be able to submit questions via social media for hosts and guests to answer during the broadcast.

Throughout the cocktail hour, viewers will be encouraged to donate to industry workers and communities in need through the official Breeders’ Cup website.

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