Add Event My Events Log In

Upcoming Events

    We see you appreciate a good vintage. But there comes a time to try something new. Click here to head over to the redesigned Louisville.com. It's where you'll find all of our latest work. And plenty of the good ol' stuff, too, looking better than ever.

    Bit to Do

    Print this page

    The fourth annual “It’s My Derby” fundraiser for the Kentucky Derby Museum will be held Friday, April 18 at the Keeneland sales pavilion on the grounds of Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky. and will begin approximately after the last race.

    Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas not only came up with the idea as a fundraising event to support the museum, he also hosts the panel-style discussion between Kentucky Derby veterans. Joining Lukas this year is trainer Claude “Shug” McGaughey III who took Orb to Kentucky Derby victory last year; Orb’s co-owner and breeder Stuart Janney; jockey Joel Rosario, who guided Orb to victory; Barclay Tagg, trainer of 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide; and Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, who won the 1987 Kentucky Derby aboard Alysheba and the 1994 Kentucky Derby aboard Go for Gin.

    Don’t expect the discussions to be anything like those you’d get in a press conference. Lukas has won the Kentucky Derby four times and knows exactly what it feels like to win the honored race and the sometimes turbulent road to get there. He also knows the personal behind-the-scenes stories and how to get his guests to provide the low-down on these backside tales.

    The event has raised over $100,000 for the Kentucky Derby Museum over the past three years and offers attendees an opportunity to hear stories about the Kentucky Derby from people who have experienced every aspect of the event. It was held at the museum the first two years and at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington last year. With live racing going on at Keeneland, the convenience of holding the event at the track allows attendees to start their day with live racing.

    In addition to great stories, attendees will also have the opportunity to visit with 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide. Both horses will be in the outdoor sales walking ring for the evening. A live auction of Derby week experiences with some of the night’s panelists will also be held.

    Tickets are $15 for walk-ins (includes open seating and access to cash bar), $50 general admission (includes open seating, access to cash bar and appetizers, and access to visit with Mine That Bird and Funny Cide); and $150 V.I.P. Reception presented by Four Roses Bourbon (includes reserved parking for a day at the races, premium event seating, open bar, specialty bourbon tastings, time to mingle with the panelists, and access to visit with Mine that Bird and Funny Cide). Click here to buy tickets and see the auction items.

    With great conversations, two Derby winning horses, appetizers, bourbon tastings, a cash bar, and a live auction of once-in-a-lifetime experiences with some of the It’s My Derby panelists, it’s guaranteed to be a great night for Kentucky Derby fans.

    Photo: DerbyMuseum.org

    Jessie Oswald's picture

    About Jessie Oswald

    I'm a lifetime Louisville resident with a passion for horse racing. When I'm not working as a paralegal or taking care of my family, I follow Thoroughbred racing and love to share the excitement and beauty of the sport with anyone willing to learn!

    More from author:  

    Share On:

    Most Read Stories