CHURCHILL DOWNS INVITES FANS TO CELEBRATE 150 DAYS UNTIL THE 150TH RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM AND KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, November 9, 2023) –Churchill Downs Racetrack proudly invites Kentucky Derby fans to mark their calendars for December 6, 2023, as a countdown milestone that signals 150 days until the historic 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Churchill Downs will partner with two notable organizations that amplify, embody, and extend the spirit of the Kentucky Derby for the Louisville community and hundreds of thousands of tourists every year: the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Kentucky Derby Festival.
The unique collaboration promises a host of exciting activities for horse racing and Derby enthusiasts, setting the stage for an unprecedented celebration of the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024.
On December 6, Churchill Downs will launch:
• #MyDerbyMemory Contest: Derby enthusiasts are invited to share their beloved Derby memories from over the years. Share your stories, photos, and unforgettable moments related to the Kentucky Derby for a chance to win two tickets to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Celebrate your cherished Derby memories and create new ones in this sweepstakes that pays homage to the Derby's rich history and its passionate fans.
• Official Kentucky Derby 150 Mint Julep Glass: Fans can own an iconic piece of Derby history with the reveal of the Official Kentucky Derby 150 Mint Julep Glass. This cherished keepsake is a symbol of the Derby's timeless traditions and is sure to become a collector's item.
To celebrate the Race To 150, Kentucky Derby Museum will open its doors to the public with free admission and fun Derby-themed activities all day long. Located on the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs, the museum will offer fans of all ages the opportunity to get in the Derby spirit and kick off the historic countdown in style. The free community event, Race To 150, includes engaging activities and programs that will immerse visitors in the magic, culture, and traditions of Derby. Guests can contribute to the Derby 150 Time Capsule, show off their favorite Derby hats in a runway contest, explore the exhibits, win prizes, shop the latest Derby fashion, and enjoy tasty treats, cocktails, and an interactive happy hour experience. Museum doors will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 6, and the first 150 guests will receive a commemorative Race To 150 gift!
The Kentucky Derby Festival will unveil its highly anticipated Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin design in honor of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. The Festival’s pin, a beloved collector's item, embodies the vibrancy and excitement of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The unveiling of the pin each year signifies the beginning of the festival season leading up to the Derby and adds a touch of Derby flair to any attire. The first 150 guests at the Kentucky Derby Museum on Dec. 6 will receive a commemorative Festival Pin. Collector pins from past years will also be available for purchase in the gift shop for the first time.
Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, expressed his enthusiasm for this grand celebration, saying, "As we embark on the journey towards the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, we are thrilled to partner with the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Kentucky Derby Festival to make this 150-day mark unforgettable. These partnerships exemplify our commitment to preserving the rich history and traditions of the Derby while adding exciting new elements to the experience. We can't wait to share this special day with our dedicated fans in the Louisville community and around the world."
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and will honor the legacy of the longest continually held race while showcasing the enduring spirit of the Kentucky Derby. With today's announcement, the excitement is building, and the countdown begins in earnest.
For more information about the 150th Kentucky Derby, please visit kentuckyderby.com. To learn more about the Kentucky Derby Museum, please contact Katrina Helmer, Kentucky Derby Museum Director of Communications, at khelmer@derbymuseum.org, and for more information about the Kentucky Derby Festival Pin, please visit kdf.org.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY
The $3 million Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Inaugurated in 1875, the legendary 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds is the longest continually-held major sporting event in the United States and the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown series. Also known as “The Run for the Roses®” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®,” the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horse race in the nation. The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 4, 2024. For more information, please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com.
ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM
Kentucky Derby Museum, where visitors can celebrate Derby every day, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity organization located next to Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Ky. The Museum’s mission is to engage, educate, and excite everyone about the extraordinary experience that is the Kentucky Derby®. Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the region’s premier attractions, welcoming over 251,000 visitors annually from across the U.S. and around the world. With a general admission ticket, visitors can experience two floors of interactive exhibits, a 30-minute guided track visit of Churchill Downs, and the Museum’s signature 360° movie, “The Greatest Race.” The Museum also offers exclusive specialty tours, the Derby Museum Store, the Derby Museum Café & Bourbon Bar, and several event spaces for rent. https://www.derbymuseum.org/
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL
2024 marks the 69th year for the Kentucky Derby Festival, a month-long celebration packed with 70+ events leading up to the first Saturday in May. As an independent community organization, it’s supported by 4,000 volunteers, more than 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people every spring and has a local economic impact of more than $127 million. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
