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 museum's line-up of celebrations leading up to Kentucky Derby 150.
“The Kentucky Derby Museum is honored to be a guest at the Epsom Derby,” said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO. “We're excited to travel back to our Derby roots and share how the greatest two minutes in sports is an integral part in Louisville's story and Kentucky's success. We believe a trip to Derby 150 will be a bucket-list item for British horseracing fans, and we're excited for the museum to be part of Louisville's continued growth in international tourism.”
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 future at the Museum.”
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.”
Board Members Mark Bacon, W. Edwin Lewis, and Chris Whelan are departing after completing their terms with the Board.
In addition, Katie Fussenegger, vice president of the museum, has been promoted to executive vice president.
“I'm thrilled to reward Katie with this promotion as a reflection of her impactful work at the Kentucky Derby Museum,” said Patrick Armstrong, President & CEO. “Katie has a bright future ahead, and we are grateful to have her talents leading the Team here at Kentucky Derby Museum.”
Kentucky Derby Museum is pleased to announce the Grand Prize winner of its Black Heritage in Racing Community Art Contest, sponsored by Watson's, Derby City Gaming and The Storage Project. Lance G. Newman of Louisville was notified of his win for his work, The Will of Aunt Eliza. Newman will receive a $2000 cash Grand Prize from contest sponsor Derby City Gaming.
When speaking about his work, Newman describes it: “The Will of Aunt Eliza is an ode to a pioneering black horsewoman [Eliza Carpenter]. Born into slavery, she quickly inflicted her will on her condition and rose above and beyond the social standard of that day. The Will of Aunt Eliza stands as a reminder that no amount of oppression can halt the will of freedom.”
Kentucky Derby Museum is proud to play a role in the continued dialogue about the significant impact African American trainers, horse owners, and jockeys have had and continue to have on the sport of horse racing and the Kentucky Derby.
“We are grateful for the support of our community partners in working to ensure the stories of Black horse men and women are told as an integral part of the Kentucky Derby's history,” said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO.
In addition to the Grand Prize, cash prizes were also awarded to first, second and third place. Honorable mention awards were also given out to four other participating artists. Artist Simone Brown was awarded honorable mention and given an additional prize from Watson's which included a $2,500 gift card good for use in-store at their locations. Click here for a full list of winners. This link will take you to images of the top five winning art pieces.
Artwork submitted to the contest will be displayed at the Kentucky Derby Museum and Watson's starting later this Spring. Additional art will be displayed by our community partners: the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, KMAC Museum, Louisville Free Public Library, and the Muhammad Ali Center.
During the months of February and March, Kentucky Derby Museum will be offering visitors FREE admission to the Black Heritage in Racing Tour on select Saturdays at 1 P.M as part of Louisville Tourism's Unfiltered Truth Program. The Museum invites the community to take part in the tour to further their knowledge of some of the most important African American influencers in Thoroughbred racing.
