(Louisville, KY: March 26, 2010) Trainer Chip Woolley has given the Kentucky Derby Museum the infamous crutches and cowboy hat worn during his 2009 Kentucky Derby victory. The crutches and western hat made national coverage during Woolley’s “walk over” from the backside of the track before the start of the race. Woolley’s pre-Derby interviews were dominated by questions about his earlier motorcycle accident rather than the chance of his 50-1 long shot contender to win. Both items will be shown in the new “Countdown to Victory” exhibit on the main floor.
The Kentucky Derby Museum’s 5.5 million dollar renovation project will include an exhibition of the 2009 Derby winning team of Mine That Bird on the second floor. The team has loaned a horseshoe from Bird’s Derby win, the Derby blanket and the horse’s halter to the museum. Owners Dr. Leonard Blach and Mark Allen have loaned their Kentucky Derby Gold Cup
for exhibition during the spring meet. Woolley’s silver trainer’s cup will also be loaned and displayed in the second floor exhibition space.
“With all the media attention about my crutches, they became a part of our Derby story. If the museum can use them to share some of the memories we made that day, then that’s where they belong,” says Woolley. “I’m really excited about museum’s renovation- the Derby museum is the only way many people ever get to experience the Kentucky Derby. Celebrating racing in a way that’s meaningful and bringing more fans to the sport has always been important to me.”
Derby Museum’s Executive Director, Lynn Ashton says, “Items like these from this year’s team are what keep us celebrating even the most current history. Fans love to see things they recognize in the museum. The Mine That Bird team has been so supportive of the Derby Museum and with their help, we can continue to celebrate their greatest victory with fans from all over the world.”
The Kentucky Derby Museum re-opens with a Launch Party Sunday, April 18th at 12:00 p.m.!
