Churchill Downs teams with Hallmark for new Derby-themed movie filmed at racetrack

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Two legendary brands are teaming up to celebrate the pageantry and tradition of Derby Day at Churchill Downs.

Hallmark Media is partnering with Churchill Downs Racetrack on a brand new movie, "Kentucky Roses," according to a news release.

"Kentucky Roses" is a romance movie that unfolds across two timelines, 1932 and present day, and filmed at Churchill Downs.

The story is about present day Sadie Moore, who works in the Churchill Downs greenhouse. She dreams of being a florist who helps make the iconic garland of roses that is draped over the winning Derby horse, just like her great-grandmother. As Derby approaches, Sadie meets Ash Taylor, son of Churchill Down's CEO, and sparks fly between the two. However, their love is threatened by family legacy and a long-kept secret between their two families.

The movie stars Andrew Walker, Odette Annable, Ally Ledford, Peyton Meyer, Brynn Thayer, and Gregg Henry.

The movie is scheduled to premier on the Hallmark Channel on Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 2 and will stream the next day on Hallmark Plus.

Metro government agrees to pay $20M to inmates held too long at Louisville's jail

Death of unhoused Louisville man highlights dangers of extreme cold as neighborhood mourns