VOICE-TRIBUNE DERBY WRAP UP MAY 2024

bourbon trailblazers

TOURS, TASTINGS, EVENTS & SHOPPING

DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE

PRESIDENT/CEO, AMELIA FRAZIER THEOBALD

OPERATIONS MANAGER, MARY ZOELLER

CHIEF EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER, DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & GRAPHIC DESIGNER, KATHRYN HARRINGTON

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER, JULIE KOENIG

EDITOR, RAGAN VAN HECKE

GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ANNABELLE KLEIN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER, JOSH ISON

PHOTOGRAPHER, MATT JOHNSON

CHIEF DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL, ALISHA PROFFITT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: KATHRYN HARRINGTON, ALISHA PROFFITT

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: AMBER CHALFIN, BILL WINE, MIRRORED MEDIA, GETTY IMAGES, GIOIA PATTON, JEFF NUNN, KEVIN SIVAKUMAR, MATT JOHNSON, DR. RANDY WHETSTONE JR.

FEATURES

KDF REPUBLIC BANK BOURBONVILLE

DERBY 150TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE DINNER FEATURING OLD FORESTER

FILLIES DERBY BALL

A TOAST TO DERBY MAKERS

KDF THEY’RE OFF! LUNCHEON

THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE

WELLSPRING DERBY PREVIEW PARTY

KDF BALLOON GLOW

IN CELEBRATION OF ISAAC BURNS MURPHY

KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM BALL

KENTUCKY BOURBY

CHURCHILL DOWNS OPENING NIGHT RACES AND FASHION SHOW

KDF MAYOR’S DERBY BRUNCH ON THE RIVER

KDF PEGASUS PARADE

KDF WINEFEST

502’S DAY

KDF GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE

BISCUITS AND BOURBON CHAMPIONS DAY

LOUISVILLE URBAN LEAGUE GALA

WIGS AND KICKS

KDF FESTIVAL DAY AT THE DOWNS THURBY

OAKS

ANGEL’S ENVY OAKS BRUNCH

UNBRIDLED EVE GALA

BARNSTABLE BROWN GALA

TRIFECTA GALA

REVEL AT THE RACES

DERBY 150

DERBY RED CARPET

SNEAKER BALL

ON THE COVER

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

ANGEL’S ENVY, ARTIQUE RUGS AND FURNITURE, BITTNERS, BLUE GRASS MOTORSPORTS, CULTURED, DERBY DIVERSITY WEEK, GENESIS DIAMONDS, INTEGRO, J MICHAEL’S SALON AND SPA, LAURA RICE-KY SELECT PROPERTIES, MELANIE GALLOWAY-KY SELECT PROPERTIES, RODES, SASSY FOX, SUSAN’S FLORIST

April 11, 2024

DERBY 150 BIRTHDAY

TRIBUTE DINNER

In celebration of Derby 150, guests were welcomed with an Old Forester® cocktail at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a celebratory toast featuring Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, dinner, and the premiere of the new Derby 150 video. They also had exclusive access to the Museum’s new Riders Up interactive exhibit before it opened to the public. The evening concluded with the presentation of the Museum’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

April 11, 2024

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL BOURBONVILLE

The ultimate bourbon extravaganza, KDF Republic Bank BourbonVille, was a resounding success at the Frazier History Museum. Guests mixed, mingled, and savored signature bourbon specialty drinks from Kentucky’s top distilleries, alongside bourboninspired cuisine. Master Distillers were on hand to share their expertise, and attendees explored the Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

FILLIES DERBY BALL

The Fillies Derby Ball, presented by Courtesy Cadillac, kicked off the Derby season in style. Guests experienced an evening of “Old Hollywood Glam,” with dinner, dancing, and live entertainment by Radiotronic, along with a special guest appearance. The highlight of the evening was the historic crowning of Ankita Nair, the Derby Queen of the 2024 Royal Court. New this year, guests had the opportunity to add a Speakeasy experience to their evening, adding an extra touch of excitement to the event.

A TOAST TO DERBY MAKERS

It was an afternoon of camaraderie and gratitude as guests came together at Chestnut Hall Farmhouse to honor heroes of charity and community impact and the remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of the Kentucky Derby! The event was hosted by Tawana Bain, Amelia Frazier Theobald and Julia Carstanjen.

THEY’RE OFF! LUNCHEON

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual They’re Off! Luncheon Presented by BAE Systems, was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel. The prestigious Silver Horseshoe Award was presented to the Churchill Downs Foundation for its outstanding service to the community. The Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation presented a $5,000 check to the Churchill Downs Foundation for Thoroughbred Aftercare. Laneisha Beasley was named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year for her advocacy of the Derby Festival in the community and her dedicated volunteer work. The luncheon also featured legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard as the guest speaker.

THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE

Thunder Over Louisville 2024, with the theme “Celebrating Derby 150,” marked a spectacular celebration of the 150th Kentucky Derby. This iconic event, renowned for its breathtaking combination of an awe-inspiring air show and dazzling fireworks display, showcased a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees. As the largest annual fireworks show in North America, Thunder Over Louisville drew crowds from far and wide to witness the thrilling aerobatic performances and the mesmerizing pyrotechnic display.

WELLSPRING DERBY

PREVIEW PARTY

The 26th Annual Derby Preview Party, hosted by Wellspring, took place at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This event serves as Wellspring’s largest fundraiser of the year, with the goal of building the road to mental health recovery. Attendees enjoyed a scrumptious dinner, open bar, and mingled with special guests, all while supporting mental health services provided by Wellspring. The highlight of the evening was the silent auction, benefiting adults with mental illness in the Louisville area.

BALLOON GLOW

The Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow is a highly anticipated event during balloon race weekend. This year, the Balloon Glow took place at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront on Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26. Attendees witnessed the balloons glow against the night sky, synchronized to a special musical score.

IN CELEBRATION OF ISAAC BURNS MURPHY

At “In Celebration of Isaac Burns Murphy”, held at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society, attendees honored the legacy of this remarkable jockey. The event featured tributes, art installations, interactive sessions, educational talks, and a commemorative ceremony. It provided a platform for horse racing enthusiasts, historians, and community members to connect, share stories, and celebrate Murphy’s enduring impact on the sport.

KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM BALL

On Friday, April 26, the celebrated Kentucky Derby Museum Ball took place at the First Turn Club at Churchill Downs. Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and dinner before kicking off the Backstretch Party, featuring dancing, desserts, and live music. Formal attire was recommended for this special occasion, commemorating 150 years of the Kentucky Derby!

April 27, 2024

OPENING NIGHT

The Opening Night event “Derby Through the Decades” powered by LG&E and KU at Churchill Downs was a stylish and thrilling evening. Attendees experienced the historic 150th Kentucky Oaks and 150th Kentucky Derby post position draw, open to the general public for the first time on Opening Night. They enjoyed an exclusive fashion show by Rodes For Him & For Her, offering a sneak peek into the Kentucky Derby trends. Guests also had the opportunity to show off their Derby style on the red carpet with a bold fusion of black, gold, and the iconic rose red. The event featured Derby-inspired original couture pieces from KMAC Couture 2024 “Runway for the Roses”, showcasing creativity, elegance, and artistic flair.

KENTUCKY BOURBY

TKO Flight Club hosted their annual Kentucky Bourby Event, a fundraiser dedicated to improving the lives of Parkinson’s patients, at Progress Park Airstream Resort and Event Venue. The event featured bourbon tasting, a silent auction of exclusive bourbon-related items, live entertainment, and food pairings by local chefs. Attendees supported the cause while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere and the finest bourbons.

April 28, 2024

THE MAYOR’S DERBY BRUNCH ON THE RIVER

The Mayor’s Derby Brunch on the River was a delightful event that combined the comfort of a traditional Kentucky breakfast with the scenic beauty of the Farnsley-Moremen Landing. Guests enjoyed live music and a festive brunch featuring classic Kentucky breakfast dishes such as fluffy biscuits and savory ham. Attendees had the opportunity to take leisurely rides in horse-drawn carriages, and explored the historic FarnsleyMoremen property, including the Moremen Family Chapel.

TPEGASUS PARADE

he Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) Pegasus Parade brought the local community and visitors alike together in celebration of the Kentucky Derby. The parade took place on Sunday, April 28, transforming Broadway in Downtown Louisville into a vibrant spectacle. This year, the parade’s theme was “Celebrating Derby 150”, commemorating the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Derby-inspired décor and lively displays filled the downtown area. The parade featured marching bands, beautifully adorned horses and riders, colorful floats, and larger-thanlife inflatable characters.

502’S DAY

02’sDay celebrated the heart of Louisville during Kentucky Derby Week on Tuesday, April 30, at Churchill Downs. In partnership with Louisville Business First, the event spotlighted businesses in Louisville that have been integral to the community for over 150 years. Attendees enjoyed Big Board Trivia and learned about the people behind Louisville’s iconic establishments through interviews and featured highlights on the big board.

WINE FEST

The Commonwealth Credit Union WineFest, held on April 30 at the Mellwood Art Center, offered guests the chance to sip and savor over 100 local wines from Kentucky wineries. Taking place in the Van Gogh and DaVinci Rooms, attendees could stroll through shops while enjoying wine tastings and appetizers.

BISCUITS AND BOURBON

Biscuits & Bourbon, held at the Kentucky Derby Museum, combined southern-inspired brunch with the rich flavors of Kentucky bourbon. Guests enjoyed a mouthwatering brunch, including made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits and French toast. Accompanied by live music, attendees savored unlimited servings of Kentucky’s finest bourbons, along with mimosas and Bloody Marys. As a special treat, ticketholders topped off their brunch experience with a day at the races at Churchill Downs Racetrack during Derby Week.

CCHAMPIONS DAY

hampions Day at Churchill Downs shined a spotlight on the rich history of the Kentucky Derby and the world of thoroughbred racing. The event featured the official announcement of inductees into Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of sports. Attendees also had the exclusive opportunity to capture a moment with the PGA Championship Trophy, a piece of golfing history. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed interviews with sports legends, video segments showcasing iconic plays and triumphs, and trivia testing their knowledge of Kentucky sports history. The event also featured exciting stakes races, including the William Walker and the Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes.

GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE

The KDF Great Steamboat Race brought excitement to the river on Wednesday, May 1. On the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana, the race featured the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati, two iconic steamboats, in a 14-mile roundtrip competition. The highlight of the event was the Silver Antlers trophy, awarded to the winning steamboat. This local tradition, which began in 1963, brings Kentuckiana together, reviving both the riverboat rivalry and camaraderie. This year, the Belle of Cincinnati took home the silver antlers.

TLOUISVILLE URBAN LEAGUE GALA

he Louisville Urban League Gala, held at the Kentucky Derby Museum, was a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and philanthropy. With the theme “Mardi Gras Louisville,” guests enjoyed performances by Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste and legendary producer Mannie Fresh. The gala served as a premier fundraiser for the Louisville Urban League, supporting their vital work in promoting economic empowerment, education, and social justice.

May 2, 2024

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL

DAY AT THE DOWNS

Guests at Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Festival Day at the Downs, held at Churchill Downs’ 4th-floor Skye Terrace, celebrated Thurby in style and enjoyed a day of horse racing and excitement. The Derby Festival Tribute race and the Silver Tray Presentation added to the fun. All tickets included reserved seating on the Skye Terrace, access to in-room mutuel tellers for wagering, and balcony views for optimal race viewing. Guests also indulged in a chef’s table buffet and an open bar featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

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SNEAKER BALL

The Derby Sneaker Ball, held at the Frazier History Museum, combined fashion, music, and philanthropy as a part of Derby Diversity Week. Attendees enjoyed rubbing shoulders with notable personalities, captivating live music performances, and capturing stylish moments with their favorite sneakers. It was a night filled with fun, style, and a sense of community, all for a good cause.

THURBY

Thurby, fondly known as “locals’ day” at the track, is a celebration of all things Kentucky during Kentucky Derby Week. Thurby captures the essence of Kentucky culture with bourbon, Bluegrass music, and thoroughbred racing taking center stage at Churchill Downs.

WWIGS & KICKS

igs & Kicks Derby Party took place at PLAY Louisville. This vibrant party was dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and was an official event of Derby Diversity Week, in partnership with Civitas, Louisville’s LGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce. The event featured live performances by nine talented artists, followed by music from DJ Syimone to keep the dance floor alive. Attendees also enjoyed on-stage performances by the Playmates at Play Nightclub and a special presentation honoring the life and achievements of Robbi Lynn.

May 3, 2024

ANGEL’S ENVY OAKS BRUNCH

Guests gathered on Oaks day at the Angel’s Envy Distillery for the annual Angel’s Envy Oaks Brunch. The event was attended by family, friends and vendors of this legendary brand. Attendees enjoyed great food and drinks as well as fabulous company

BARNSTABLE BROWN GALA

The iconic 35th Barnstable Brown Gala, held on at Patricia Barnstable Brown’s private Louisville home, was a star-studded affair. Celebrity guests included Cole Hauser, Tracy Morgan, Jack Harlow, Wynonna Judd, and Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers. The event featured performances by Smokey Robinson, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, Mickey Guyton, and more, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Beyond the glamour, the gala supported the Louisville Urban League, adding purpose to the celebration.

OAKS

The 150th running of the Oaks featured a dominant performance by Thorpedo Anna, trained by Kenny McPeek. Thorpedo Anna secured victory in a commanding fashion, leaving her mark on this prestigious race. Just F Y I, trained by Bill Mott, finished second, with Regulatory Risk and Ways and Means rounding out the top positions. It was a memorable day at Churchill Downs, celebrating the finest fillies and their remarkable achievements!

REVEL AT THE RACES

On the eve of the Kentucky Derby, Sports Illustrated hosted its inaugural Revel at the Races concert series, bringing the world of horse racing to life in a whole new way. The late-night Derby Eve celebration took place on May 3 at the Ice House in downtown Louisville. Grammy Award-winning pop electronic duo, The Chainsmokers, along with DJ Irie, performed at the event.

TRIFECTA GALA

The Trifecta Gala, an annual Derby-eve blacktie celebrity charity event, is a celebration of African American contributions to Derby history and a look toward the future. Hosted by the Bridgeman Charitable Group, the gala took place near Slugger Field in downtown Louisville. Guests enjoyed a red carpet event, food and drinks, live music, and the opportunity to mingle with celebrities and entertainment industry icons, including Bruno Mars. The 2024 Trifecta Gala supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, a charitable partner dedicated to empowering youth.

May 3, 2024

UNBRIDLED EVE DERBY EVE GALA

The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala was held at the Galt House Hotel. Attendees experienced a glamorous red carpet entrance, rubbing shoulders with celebrities, VIPs, and notable personalities from sports, music, TV, movies, poker, publishing, and horse racing. The evening featured an array of bourbon and amazing cocktails, celebrating Kentucky’s rich heritage, while guests indulged in southern-inspired gourmet cuisine, adding a touch of local flavor to the festivities. Live musical performances kept the energy high. Over 100 coveted items and oncein-a-lifetime experiences were up for bidding in the silent auction, with all proceeds supporting the vital work of the Louisville Urban League in promoting economic empowerment, education, and social justice.

DERBY RED CARPET

For the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, an impressive number of athletes, celebrities and polititians walked the red carpet. Big names including Jack Harlow, Jimmy Fallon, Wynnona Judd, Kid Rock, Martha Stewart and Travis Kelce made appearances for the greatest two minutes in sports

150th KENTUCKY DERBY

The 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs was a historic celebration of tradition and horse racing. This milestone marked a century and a half of thrilling races, bringing together fans, jockeys, and horse owners to honor the Derby’s legacy. A field of 20 horses competed in the Run for the Roses, the thundering hooves and roaring crowd was electrifying with Mystik Dan winning by a nose. Spectators showcased their finest attire, from extravagant hats to stylish suits and dresses, while mint juleps flowed, and the infield came alive with color, epitomizing Derby fashion and tradition. Whether watching from the stands or tuning in from home, viewers shared in the excitement of the 150th Kentucky Derby, making it a day to remember!

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