Second annual Fan Fest Day, presented by Woodford Reserve, at the Kentucky Derby Museum to celebrate career of four-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer D. Wayne Lukas
Day will include a major announcement from Lukas and the Museum
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 19, 2017) It was so successful the first time around, we've decided to do it again! Some of horse racing's biggest names will be on hand as we host the second annual Fan Fest Day, presented by Woodford Reserve, with support from the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. The big day is Sunday, April 30th, with the doors to the Museum opening early at 8 am. You don't want to miss this event...a major announcement will be made!
Fan Fest Day, a celebration of Thoroughbred racing, past and present, will pay tribute to Hall of Fame Trainer, D. Wayne Lukas this year and each of his four Kentucky Derby winning-horses: Winning Colors, Thunder Gulch, Grindstone, and Charismatic. Lukas will be on-hand for special programming throughout the day, including a unique morning rail side chat during a Historic Walking Tour, green-screen photo opportunities, and more.
Lukas will also join officials with the Kentucky Derby Museum to make a major announcement during a 3 p.m. press conference that is expected to gain national attention. More details on that announcement will be released on April 30th.
As a special component of the day, the Museum is also launching its new Thoroughbred bourbon bottle release series, in partnership with Woodford Reserve. Each year, the Museum will release an exclusive bottle of Woodford Reserve, highlighting a different Kentucky Derby winner. The first bottle will feature 1996 Derby winner, Grindstone, a horse with a special connection to the Kentucky Derby Museum. "Brown Forman enjoys a special partnership with the Kentucky Derby Museum and we are thrilled to present this new series of bottles on Fan Fest Day," said Mark Bacon, Global Brand Director of Woodford Reserve at Brown-Forman.
In 1992, longtime Thoroughbred owner W.T. Young purchased a breeding season to 1990 Kentucky Derby winner, Unbridled, at a fundraiser for the Kentucky Derby Museum. Young sent his mare, Buzz My Bell, to be bred to Unbridled. The foal from that mating was Grindstone. He went on to become Lukas' third Kentucky Derby winner, creating a special bond between the horse and the Kentucky Derby Museum.
"As my father frequently said, without Wayne Lukas, Overbrook Farm could never have had the racing success that it enjoyed" said William T. Young Jr. "The Kentucky Derby is by far the most important race that Overbrook ever won."
Vouchers for the Grindstone Woodford Reserve bottle, pre-signed by D. Wayne Lukas, will go on sale exclusively at the Museum at 8 a.m., with bottles available for pick at the Museum beginning at 1 p.m.
In addition, Artist Richard Sullivan has created a limited-edition, one-of-a-kind art print, featuring 1999 Kentucky Derby winner, Charismatic. The sales of the print will benefit the Museum, a 501(c)(3) organization.
"No horse trainer in history, more than Wayne Lukas, deserves to be recognized by the Kentucky Derby Museum for his accomplishments at Churchill Downs. The racing results that Wayne produced there for my parents, Bob and Beverly Lewis, were many, topped by Charismatic's amazing, long-shot win in the 1999 Run for the Roses," Jeff Lewis, said. "Other trainees, like Timber Country, Serena's Song, Folklore, Orientate, Hennessy, and Commendable, all trained by Wayne, brought a level of excitement and accomplishment to the Lewis family that very few owners ever realize. We congratulate Wayne for the recognition bestowed on him by the Museum and thank him for all he achieved for us."
Additional Fan Fest highlights include:
- Historic walking tours of Churchill Downs Racetrack (with a chance to see Derby contenders during their morning workout on the 8:30 a.m. tour) and additional specialty and historic walking tours will be offered throughout the day
- Morning discussion with jockey Calvin Borel and trainer Carl Nafzger, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their 2007 Kentucky Derby winner, Street Sense at 10 a.m.
- Afternoon ceremony with jockey Pat Day, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his 1992 Kentucky Derby win aboard Lil E. Tee at 12:15 p.m.
- Children's activities from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. including Winner's Circle photo-booth, design your own silks, decorate a horseshoe, stick-horse races, face-painting and more (all children's activities are FREE with paid general admission)
- Various artist and author meet and greet and signings throughout the day
- Showings of the 360° movie, The Greatest Race, throughout the day
- Live music from local bluegrass band Shades of Grass
A general admission ticket ($15 for adults, $8 for kids ages 5-14, under 5 free) gives guests access to the entire day's activities with an option to add on specialty tours, including Barn and Backside Tours and brunch in the Derby Café!
Purchase tickets here!
To schedule your Fan Fest Day brunch from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., featuring selections from the Kentucky Derby Museum Cookbook, in the Derby Café, call (502) 637-1111 ext. 250.