LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Derby Festival introduced the 2025 Royal Court in Louisville on Monday.

Five women were selected as princesses for the 70th Kentucky Derby Festival. An announcement event was held at Dillard's in Mall St. Matthews.

"Crowning new Kentucky Derby Festival royalty is our favorite way to start the new year and a sign that the Derby season is just around the corner," Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO, said in a news release. "This year and every year, we’re honored to have these accomplished young women represent the Festival and serve as our ambassadors."

The court will reign over the upcoming Derby Festival and attend nearly every official KDF event. This year's court was selected after attending final judging with 32 other finalist candidates. There were almost 100 applicants to the court.

Each royal court member will receive $2,000 in scholarship money. One $1,000 scholarship comes from The Fillies, Inc. while another $1,000 scholarship comes from Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation.

The first Kentucky Derby Festival Princess was crowned in 1957. One of the princesses will be crowned Derby Festival Queen by a spin of a wheel at the annual Fillies Derby Ball on April 13 at The Galt House.

Kentucky Derby Festival shared bios of the court:

  • Lilly Deljoo of Louisville, is a 24-year-old second-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from UCLA, where she was named to the Dean’s Honors List, served as Secretary of a student-run clinic in Mexico, and was President of Persian Sorority - Sigma Pi Sigma Psi. Deljoo volunteers with Rescues and Roses to support the Animal Care Society and Operation Smile, participating in global surgical programs in Peru and China. She also serves as a leader within the newly founded Kentucky Human Rights Collaborative.
  • Madeline Duff of Prestonsburg, is 21-years-old and a senior at the University of Kentucky studying Neuroscience and Appalachian studies. She is the first female from eastern Kentucky to be elected UK Student Body President and chairs the Southeastern Conference Board of Student Presidents. A Lewis Honors College ambassador, Duff has served as president of both ACTION (Appalachian Career Training in Oncology) and the Appalachian Health Initiative (AHI), organizations dedicated to improving healthcare access in Appalachia. She is also a member of Alpha Phi sorority, the Apollo Society, Phi Delta Epsilon, and Neurocats.
  • Elizabeth King of Georgetown, is 21-years-old and a senior Presidential Scholar at the University of Kentucky pursuing dual degrees in Finance and Flute Performance. She is a Gatton College of Business Ambassador, UK Homecoming Queen, Principal Flutist for the UK Wind Symphony, and Preliminary Talent Winner at Miss Kentucky. As Miss Danville, King partners with Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass to promote the service initiative she founded, Mind Your Money – Investing in Financial Literacy, bringing financial education to Kentucky’s classrooms.
  • Erica McPheeters of Louisville is 21-years-old and a senior John Henry Scholar at Kentucky State University majoring in political science. She serves as Miss Kentucky State University, is a Vogt Scholar, and Whitney M. Young Scholar. McPheeters is also a Human Rights Campaign consultant student leader and presides over two campus organizations. She interned for the Fayette County Prosecutor’s Office and Princeton University's Archive, Research, and Collaborative History Program. She also serves as a Volunteer Mentor for Franklin County Schools.
  • Hannah Rager of Bremen is 19-years-old and a sophomore at the University of Louisville where she is pursuing a double major in marketing and sports administration with a certificate in sales. She is a Vogt Scholar, Honors Student, and has interned with the PGA of America. She is also very active on campus, serving as the Vice President of Kappa Delta Sorority, Vice President of Member Development of Order of Omega, and a returning staff member of raiseRED Dance Marathon.

There are also two alternates selected. Chloe Ralston of Stanford is a sophomore at Western Kentucky University, and chosen as the first alternate. Kendra Ford of Louisville is a graduate student at the University of Louisville, was chosen as the second alternate. Ralston or Ford will become Princesses if one of the other women is unable to serve.

Related Stories: 

Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.