LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A special trophy that will go to the winner of the 150th Kentucky Derby arrived Tuesday at Churchill Downs.
The 22-inch, 68-ounce trophy is a little different this year. It's still made of 14 karat gold, featuring a horseshoe and a garland of roses around the horse and rider. But it's decorated with unique gems to celebrate the 150th running..
"A distinctive garland of roses outfitted with 196 rubies, 96 marquise emeralds and 36 round emeralds is draped across the withers of the horse atop the 2024 trophy," Churchill Downs said in a news release Tuesday. "Additionally, there are 12 diamonds on the cover cape beneath the horse, 38 rubies on the circular braid atop the gold cup, and eight diamonds within the horseshoe on the front of the trophy."
The trophy is believed to be the only solid gold trophy that is annually awarded the winner of a major American sporting event. Three smaller sterling silver replica trophies are awarded to the winning jockey, trainer and breeder of the Kentucky Derby.
Presenting the 14-karat gold 150th Kentucky Derby Trophy 🏆
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) January 30, 2024
The trophy is adorned with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds and stands 22 inches tall weighing just under 68 ounces. Who do you think will be celebrating with this on the first Saturday in May? 🌹 pic.twitter.com/N4DQHDXfC6
"The trophy is adorned by a 14 karat gold horseshoe," Darren Rogers, a spokesman for Churchill Downs, said Tuesday. "It's pointed upward. Until 1997, it was always downward, but racing lore suggests the luck runs out if the horseshoe is pointed down."
A special trophy with "jeweled embellishments" was also used to commemorate the 75th, 100th and 125th Kentucky Derby races.
General admission tickets for the infield are $80 for Derby Day and $60 for Kentucky Oaks Day. Infield tickets for both days are $130 per person. Those tickets don't include a seat, food or drink, but you get to mingle with some of the most colorful characters at the track.
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Tickets are sold as a two-day package for both Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby starting at $693 person, but that does include all-inclusive food and drink. Off-site parking is available at the Kentucky Exposition Center with a complimentary shuttle.
To purchase your tickets, click here.
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