Garland of Roses
Derby Tradition
The rose garland, synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, is the source of the nickname 'Run for the Roses' and has a history almost as long as the Derby itself.
Each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the Twin Spires and number of the race's current renewal on the other. Each garland is also adorned with a 'crown' of roses, green fern and ribbon. The 'crown,'
a single rose pointing upward in the center of the garland, symbolizes the struggle and heart necessary to reach the Derby Winner's Circle.
The Kroger Company has been crafting the garland for the Kentucky Derby since 1987.
Making of the Garland of Roses
DID YOU KNOW?
465 roses are hand-picked and carefully sewn by hand onto the garland of roses for the winner of the Kentucky Derby. The Rose Garland weighs approximately 40 lbs.
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