Prestigious Kentucky Derby Trophy Unveiled

A special trophy to mark the 150th anniversary of the Gr1 Kentucky Derby in 2024 has been unveiled, reports bloodhorse.com. Handcrafted by silversmiths of S.R. Blackinton in Smithfield, R.I. from 14-karat solid yellow gold and green gold, the trophy includes a garland of roses outfitted with 196 rubies, 96 marquise emeralds and 36 round emeralds. Previous anniversary trophies were also adorned with jewels, in 1949 (75th), 1974 (100th) and 1999 (125th), while the history of a trophy for the race is sporadic. The first Kentucky Derby was held in 1875 and no trophy is known to exist for that year, while a consistent trophy wasn't given until 1924 when Churchill Downs President Col. Matt J. Winn commissioned a standard design to be developed for the "Golden Anniversary" of the Derby. The 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The special 150th Kentucky Derby Trophy