Kentucky Derby Museum

Love horses? Make tracks to the Derby Museum

Even the casual horse-racing fan knows names like Secretariat's, the 1973 Kentucky Derby champion considered by some to be the finest Thoroughbred ever, and jockeys like Bill Shoemaker, who took to saddle in the Derby more than anyone.

If only there were a place to honor such racing icons, their sport and the Kentucky Derby itself….
Look no further. Just about anything you might want to see or learn related to the Derby can be found at the Kentucky Derby Museum, which sits immediately next to historic Churchill Downs, site of the world-famous race.
The museum is dedicated to capturing the pride, tradition and excitement of the “greatest two minutes in sports,” but it could take visitors hours to fully explore all the offerings of the two-story building, which opened in 1985. A $10 million renovation and expansion was completed in 2000.
Exhibits include “The Greatest Race,” a 360-degree multi-media presentation of the story of the Derby, a “time machine” where guests can select and view footage of Derbies as far back as 1918, and interactive exhibits that provide a feel for some of what jockeys endure in their pounding ride around the track. Visitors will find many more fun and informative stations filled with facts about the race, its history, its people and, of course, its  horses.
Weather permitting, the museum also offers optional tours, such as a visit to the paddock area to see a live thoroughbred and miniature horse, breakfast tours, a behind-the-scenes guided excursion and the “Horses and Haunts” tour, a nighttime visit with stories of legends and lore. Times, dates and prices vary, so call ahead or visit the museum website.
The museum draws more than 200,000 guests each year and is open to group tours and school groups.

- by Bill Wolfe, Louisville Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)