SELECT A DERBY TRADITION

TROPHY HISTORY

DERBY TRADITION

Since the 50th running of the Kentucky Derby in 1924, Churchill Downs has annually presented a gold trophy to the winning owner of the famed Run for the Roses®.

HISTORY OF THE TROPHY

DID YOU KNOW?

The trophy is handcrafted and takes about 2,000 hours to complete. The production starts months before the Derby.

WHICH DERBY TRADITION ARE YOU?

QUIZ

Every fan has a favorite way to celebrate the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®. Take our quiz to find out which iconic Derby tradition best matches your style!

How do you like to celebrate big events?

Stealing the spotlight and taking home the win. With a classic cocktail in hand - cheers to tradition! In bold fashion, dressed to impress and turning heads. Immersed in history and timeless traditions. Making a grand entrance - let the world watch me shine!

What’s your ideal Derby outfit? 

Classic Southern elegance - seersucker, lace, and timeless charm. A jaw-dropping statement piece that ensures all eyes are on me. A bold, beautiful hat that steals the show (the bigger, the better!). Sleek, chic, and timeless - with just the right pop of Derby Day color. Luxe details, gold accents, and head-to-toe prestige - because I dress like I belong in the Winner's Circle.

If your life had a Derby soundtrack, what would it be? 

A bold brass band - channeling timeless tradition and Southern charm. Upbeat and festive - made for mingling, dancing, and Derby party vibes. A soulful ballad, rich with nostalgia and unforgettable memories. A cinematic score - dramatic, powerful, and worthy of a champion's entrance. A triumphant anthem, big and bold - just like a walk into the Winner's Circle.

What’s your Derby drink of choice?

Something limited-edition - rare, refined, and reserved for the VIPs. Whatever's served in a trophy-worthy cup - I'm here to toast in style. A crisp glass of champagne - because every moment's worth celebrating. A smooth pour of bourbon, aged to perfection and steeped in tradition. The iconic Mint Julep - cool, classic, and refreshingly bold.

What’s your personality like at a party? 

The winner - confident, charismatic, and always leaving a lasting impression. The social butterfly - mingling, laughing, and making fast friends everywhere. The fashion icon - serving looks and setting trends with every step. The VIP guest - gliding in like royalty, all eyes on me from the moment I arrive. The storyteller - captivating the room with tales of tradition and timeless charm.