LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- This year marked the 60th anniversary of The Great Steamboat Race and the Belle of Louisville has now won exactly half of those races.
The race put the Belle of Louisville against the Belle of Cincinnati and American Countess, which was racing for the first time.
The winner of the race gets bragging rights and the coveted Silver Antlers, but most on the boat weren't focused on who wins. For them, it was about the journey.
"People are excited, they are having a great time, it’s fun so we like to be part of it, absolutely," said passenger Jenny Milby.
The party continues! #DerbyWeek @KyDerbyFestival @BELLELOUISVILLE @WDRBNews pic.twitter.com/JAaEsOZo2F
— Joel Schipper (@JSchipperWDRB) May 4, 2022
Wednesday's race was also historic for a local distillery. The Brough Brothers distillery was chosen as the primary bourbon representative for the race.
"This means everything. It be the first black distillery to do this for the derby and how many years the derby has been for the first time? This is great. I am so proud," distillery ambassador Vaughn Hudson said.
IMAGES | The 2022 Great Steamboat Race
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
The Great Steamboat Race took place on May 4, 2022. The Belle of Louisville won for the 30th time.
During the two-hour trip from Clark Memorial Bridge to the Lewis and Clark and back, hundreds of people lined the river to catch a glimpse of the winner.
"A lot of people don’t dress up anymore and it makes it so much more fun. You look dapper, how you feelin? I feel terrific," said Anthony Head, who was dressed in a vintage tuxedo.
The Belle of Louisville took home the 12-point Silver Antlers for the 30th time despite actually finishing last. But the Belle of Louisville was deemed the only "authentic" steamboat to cross the finish line.
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