Kentucky Derby Museum opens Man o'War: The Legacy on Saturday, April 8th
Celebrate one of Kentucky's most famous horses 100 years after his birth with exhibit and specialty tour
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 7, 2017) - Visitors to the Kentucky Derby Museum will be able to experience the new exhibit, Man o'War: The Legacy beginning Saturday, April 8th. The interactive exhibit will cover the life of Man o' War, his impressive racing career, his ties to the Kentucky Derby and his lasting mark on Thoroughbred racing.
Many of the items in the exhibit were generously loaned to the Museum by collector Ken Grayson. Featured items include the saddle used aboard Man o' War during his match race with Sir Barton, the first-ever Triple Crown winner, an admission ticket to that same race and the official program from the famous 1938 match race between War Admiral, son of Man o' War, and the legendary Seabiscuit.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the horse's birth on March 29, 1917 at Nursery Stud, just outside Lexington. Over the course of his career, Man o'War won 20 of his 21 starts. His incredible achievements helped draw interest to Thoroughbred racing and revitalize the sport during a time when it was struggling. His impact on the horse industry can still be seen today. Even though he never ran in the Kentucky Derby, his influence on the race is still felt today. Since War Admiral, sired by Man o' War, won the Derby in 1937, there have been over 40 Derby winners whose bloodlines trace back to Man o' War.
"Even 100 years after his birth, the impact Man o'War has on the Thoroughbred racing industry is amazing. We are honored that collector Ken Grayson is sharing with us some of his most prized and rare Man o'War artifacts with our visitors. They will walk away from this exhibit with a new appreciation for this magnificent horse and what he meant to the sport of horseracing," Kentucky Derby Museum President Patrick Armstrong said.
The exhibit, officially open to the public on Saturday, April 8th, will be part of the general admission experience at the Kentucky Derby Museum through December 2017.
In addition, Kentucky Derby Museum is partnering with Mt. Brilliant Farm and Horse Country Tours to offer two exclusive dates for the ultimate Man o'War experience! Wednesday, May 31st and Wednesday, August 23rd, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a day-long tour that kicks off at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Guests will start the day watching workouts at historic Churchill Downs Racetrack before returning to the Museum for a private gallery tour of the Man o'War exhibit with collector Ken Grayson and the Museum's collections team. After exploring the Museum's two-floors of exhibits and watching the 360° movie, The Greatest Race, the group will depart to Mt. Brilliant Farm, with access to Faraway Farm, in Lexington, Kentucky. There a guide will lead a tour through Man o'War's fully-renovated barn, which includes memorabilia from the beloved champion. Nearby paddocks feature the future hopefuls of the Mt. Brilliant team's nursery. The guided tour also showcases a drive through the scenic farmland property of Faraway and Mt. Brilliant.
"We are excited to be a part of Man o' War's 100th birthday celebration. It is a fun time for the horse industry to celebrate one of the greatest horses," Gay Bredin, Chief Operating Officer of Mt. Brilliant Farm said.
For more information about the exhibit and to purchase tour tickets, visit DerbyMuseum.org.
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About Kentucky Derby Museum (DerbyMuseum.org)
Kentucky Derby Museum, a 501(C)(3) non-profit public charity organization in Louisville, Kentucky has a commitment to ENGAGE, EDUCATE and EXCITE everyone about the extraordinary experience that is the KENTUCKY DERBY.