Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum earned the number three spot as the Best Attraction for Sports Fans in USA Today's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards after breaking records this past year for attendance, the repository said in a Wednesday press release. Located at Churchill Downs, the Derby Museum finished behind Boise State's Blue Turf in Idaho, the top vote getter, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, who was the runner-up. Welcoming an all-time high of 258,382 guests during the fiscal year 2024, which spanned from Oct. 1, 2023,...

Churchill Downs has committed $150,000 over three years to support educational programs at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The money will allow the museum to continue offering free in-house field trips during January and February and free outreach programming throughout the school year, extending the museum's reach to schools that may not be able to travel to Louisville. "We are excited to partner with Churchill Downs on this important initiative that directly supports our mission to engage, educate, and excite students about the Kentucky Derby," said Patrick Armstrong, President and CEO...

Fifth Grade Field Trips return to Keeneland this week, with 2,100 students from public and private schools in Fayette County coming to the track this week to participate in a two-hour interactive tour designed to expand their knowledge of Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry in Kentucky. "Fifth Grade Field Trips offer students in the area a unique and exciting opportunity to engage with the rich history of Keeneland," Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. "These tours allow for hands-on experiences on our grounds that help showcase the diversity of careers...

Second Stride, the Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retraining program responsible for the adoption of over 1,700 retired racehorses since 2005, has two new unique partnerships, the non-profit organization announced Tuesday. Two ambassador horses will live at Valhalla Golf Club, recent host of the 2024 PGA Championship, for the remainder of the 2024 golf season. The horses chosen to represent Second Stride at Valhalla are GSW Hawaakom (Jazil) and GSP 2014 Triple Crown contender General A Rod (Roman Ruler). They will return to Second Stride's Chorleywood Farm this fall. In addition, the...

The Kentucky Derby Museum has completed updates to its Winner's Circle Exhibit to include Mystik Dan (Goldencents)'s victory in this year's 150th running of the race. Mike Prather, a local artist who was first commissioned by the Museum to airbrush a replica Derby horse in 1999, captured all of Mystik Dan's unique markings and details to match how he looked crossing the finish line at Churchill Downs May 4. The replica jockey was also given a makeover with the team's silks. The new addition to the exhibit includes items on...

Kentucky Derby 135 winner Mine That Bird (Birdstone) will begin a temporary residence in the Kentucky Derby Museum's stable March 27 and will be showcased as part of the final event of the 2024 Legends Series with Maker's Mark, announced via press release by the Kentucky Derby Museum. The Legends Series brings together horseracing and bourbon enthusiasts for an exclusive lineup of five tastings, and is considered a highlight on the Museum's annual calendar. Tickets for the event, held Mar. 27 from 5-8:00 p.m., are available for purchase. Mine That...

Edited Press Release The Kentucky Derby Museum has named Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas as the inaugural recipient of the Kentucky Derby Museum's Lifetime Achievement Award. With Lukas in attendance at the Derby 150 Birthday Tribute Dinner, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 11 at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Lukas has achieved remarkable success, including four GI Kentucky Derby victories. His unparalleled dedication to the sport and influence on countless individuals in the racing community make him a deserving recipient of the Museum's first...

The Kentucky Derby Museum has launched a $1-million upgrade to its 'Riders Up!' exhibit. Construction began this month and the new exhibit is expected to debut Apr. 12. The museum originally built the 'Riders Up!' exhibit in 2000 as a way to immerse visitors in the Derby and race day experience from the viewpoint of a jockey and Thoroughbred racehorse. The game was last updated in 2010 during a previous museum expansion project. With significant changes in virtual and augmented reality since then, the new version will look to captivate...

Tickets are now on sale for the Kentucky Derby Museum's exclusive 2024 Derby Season tours and special events, marking the countdown to the 150th Kentucky Derby®--only 100 days away as of Thursday, Jan. 25. The Museum will be hosting special backside tours and Derby events along with opening new exhibits leading up to the first Saturday in May. "Kentucky Derby Museum is proud to unveil this extraordinary lineup of tours, events, and exhibits as we embark on the exciting journey towards Derby 150," said Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO...

Nadine Seckman, a junior at Atherton High School, has been named the grand prize winner of the 38th annual Horsing Around With Art competition, presented by WinStar Farm. The HAWA Grand Prize is awarded to the artist whose work best captures the spirit of the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs Racetrack President, Mike Anderson, said Seckman's piece embodied the emotion of Derby. "For 149 years, it's been about the horse. And for Derby 150, this portrait of the horse in front of the Twin Spires captures the very spirit of the...

December 6, 2023 will mark 150 days until the 150th Kentucky Derby, and Kentucky Derby Museum is kicking off the Race to 150 with a free all-day celebration. The Kentucky Derby Museum will offer free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 6, and the first 150 guests will receive a commemorative Race To 150 gift. The day will include a fashion contest, prizes, time capsule, kid-friendly activities, complimentary Derby treats and more. "If Kentucky can party for two weeks ahead of Derby, then we can certainly find...

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) convention is being held in Indianapolis, IN and 125 different groups have booked tours in the Kentucky Derby museum. With almost 6,000 expected visitors this week, the 40% increase compared to standard weekly October attendance has proven it a popular destination for attendees. "FFA members represent the future of the Thoroughbred horse racing and agriculture industries, so it's always exciting to host them in the Museum," said Pat Armstong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO. "The fact that the number of FFA groups choosing...