Kentucky Derby Museum is partnering with The Jockey Club (of the United Kingdom) to bring an iconic piece of the Kentucky Derby back to where it all began—the Epsom Derby in England.
The replica Derby Trophy will be on display at the Epsom Downs Racecourse, just 20 miles south of London, for the 244th running of the Epsom Derby on Saturday, June 3, 2023. 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 lineup 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."
The Museum is diligently working to bring Derby history to life for the 150th Run for the Roses with a new exhibit, exciting events, unique merchandise, and much more.
"We're thrilled to be welcoming the Kentucky Derby trophy and the team from Louisville to Epsom Downs this weekend for The Derby Festival," said Matt Woolston, Assistant Racing and International Director at The Jockey Club. "We're keen to do more to link up with the different Derbys around the world that can trace their origins back to Epsom in 1780, and initiatives like this can only help in growing the international audience for this iconic event."
To learn more about the history of the Kentucky Derby and its ties to the Epsom Derby, go to DerbyMuseum.org/Derby150.
