Kentucky Derby Museum Stable reopens with fan-favorite Miniature Horse and Resident Thoroughbred
The Helen "Penny" Chenery Stable is open daily and free to visit
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 4, 2025) – The Kentucky Derby Museum Stable exhibit, named in honor of horse racing icon Helen "Penny" Chenery, is officially open again, just in time for the busy summer travel season.
After an extended closure due to nearby Churchill Downs construction, guests can once again visit the museum’s popular miniature horse, Mighty Aristides (“Ari”), and the new Resident Thoroughbred free of charge during regular museum hours.
Ari, a 5-year-old roan miniature horse adopted in 2022 from Louisville-based Meaningful Menagerie Animal Therapy, serves as a companion animal to the rotating Resident Thoroughbred from Second Stride. Joining Ari for the summer is Camp Hope, a 7-year-old retired race horse bred and born in Kentucky.
“The Stable is an important part of our educational mission,” said Chris Goodlett, Kentucky Derby Museum's Senior Director of Curatorial and Educational Affairs. “For many students and visitors, this is their first opportunity to see a Thoroughbred up close, so the Stable is a fun and engaging way for us to connect guests to the everyday care of horses."
The return of the Stable comes on the heels of the museum’s 40th Anniversary celebration and a successful Derby 151 season. As one of USA Today’s “10Best” Attractions for Sports Fans, the Kentucky Derby Museum remains a can’t-miss summer stop for Louisville locals and out-of-town guests alike.
“We’re thrilled to welcome guests back to the Stable,” said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum's President and CEO. “Ari is a crowd favorite, and the return of this experience adds a special energy to the museum. Not only are we reopening the Stable, but we also just refreshed our Winner’s Circle exhibit to reflect Sovereignty’s Derby 151 victory and started construction on a brand new fashion exhibit.”
As of June 4, the Stable and Winner's Circle exhibits are officially back open to the public. In mid-June, the museum’s 360° immersive film will be refreshed with highlights from this year’s Derby featuring Sovereignty's fantastic victory. A brand-new permanent fashion exhibit is currently under construction and set to debut in late July.
The Stable is open daily and free to visit. A General Admission ticket is required to visit the rest of the museum exhibits. Guests can stay up to date on new exhibits and plan their summer trip by visiting the museum's website: DerbyMuseum.org.
MEDIA NOTE: Photos of the Stable and the updated Winner's Circle exhibit can be downloaded from the museum's Dropbox. All images require a courtesy for Kentucky Derby Museum. Please contact Darby Beane at [email protected] with any questions or media requests.