Patrick Armstrong

The Kentucky Derby Museum began its new fiscal year Tuesday with the approval of the 2025 budget. The Museum, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, also added three new Board members in Michael Guenthner, Josh Heird and Seema Sheth. "We are deeply grateful for the wisdom and commitment that our outgoing Board members have brought to the museum," said Chair of the Kentucky Derby Museum Board David Nett. "As we prepare to celebrate the museum's 40th anniversary, we look forward to the fresh perspectives and expertise our new...

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...

The Kentucky Derby Museum was awarded a $1 million James Graham Brown Foundation Grant, which will support an upgrade to the feature film, "The Greatest Race," the repository said in a release early Thursday. While the Museum updates the end of the 18-minute film every year to reflect the most recent Derby winner, the current exhibit has not been remastered in nearly a decade. Next year marks the Museum's 40th anniversary. "We are immensely grateful to the James Graham Brown Foundation for their generous support," said Patrick Armstrong, President and...

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...

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...

USA Today named the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs as a top-ten best attraction for sports fans in the 2023 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards, the publication announced Tuesday. The Museum, which ranked fifth on the final list, was the only attraction in Kentucky nominated. The Museum was nominated along with 19 other attractions by a USA Today panel in July with the public voting for their favorites online. "We're honored to make the USA Today 10Best list, and we're grateful for everyone's votes," Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum...

The Kentucky Derby Museum is partnering with The Jockey Club in England to display a replica Derby Trophy at the Epsom Downs Racecourse for the 244th running of the Epsom Derby June 3. The Epsom Derby was the inspiration for the Kentucky Derby, which will celebrate its 150th running in May 2024. A representative from Kentucky Derby Museum will attend the Epsom Derby to answer questions about the trophy and to engage guests in the unique ties between British and American racing. The trophy's journey to England will launch the...

Katrina Helmer has been named the new Director of Communications at the Kentucky Derby Museum, taking over from Rachel Collier Carr. As Communications Director, Katrina is thrilled to be part of the creative team that will drive the Museum's messaging and storytelling for the historic Derby 150 and beyond. "Katrina has done a stellar job with our Communications platform since coming to Kentucky Derby Museum," said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO. "She was a natural fit for the Director position, and we are excited about her bright...

The Kentucky Derby Museum has added three new members to its Board of Directors: Business First publisher Lisa Benson, philanthropist Rhonda Jo Conner, and attorney Craig C. Dilger. "The Kentucky Derby Museum is fortunate to add three impressive and accomplished minds on its Board of Directors," said chair Glenn Haygood. "I'm excited to see our new members bring a fresh perspective to the table as the museum prepares for two big milestones--the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's Derby win in 2023 and the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby in 2024."...

NFL legend Terry Bradshaw's Bourbon Dinner at the Kentucky Derby Museum raised $32,246 to benefit the museum Thursday night. "Terry Bradshaw gained another fan this week--the Kentucky Derby Museum," said Patrick Armstrong, President & CEO of the Museum. "But not just for his superstar status. Terry showed up for us in a big way. He donated his time, shared his bourbon with our guests, and had everyone laughing and smiling the whole night. What you see on TV is what you get in person. It was a great night for...