LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Less than a month from the 150th Kentucky Derby, soccer fans in Louisville got the chance to see the special trophy for the annual horse race.

Louisville City FC defeated Indy Eleven 5-3 to match its best-ever start in front of 11,330 people at the soccer stadium in Butchertown. Those fans got a glimpse of the Kentucky Derby thanks to a partnership with LouCity and Churchill Downs. 

"We just wanted to come out and thank the community, and bring the trophy for our fans to engage with and kick off Derby season," Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnership at Churchill Downs, said. "We are the only city that can take a two-minute horse race and make it into a month-long celebration."

Trophy for 150th Kentucky Derby

The trophy for the 150th Kentucky Derby, displayed at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Ky. on April 6, 2024.

While fans could pose with the trophy and a garland roses throughout the afternoon, there was also a Derby-themed celebrations during the game.

A call to the post was played as teams entered the field. Also, children from the Backside Learning Center accompanied players during introductions. 

"I love the fact that so many big organizations like LouCity and Churchill Downs continue to collaborate together," said Thomas Bellingham, a LouCity fan. "Absolutely love the cohesiveness of the city."

This year, the winner of the Kentucky Derby will receive a special trophy with unique gems to celebrate the 150th race at Churchill Downs. The 22-inch, 68-ounce trophy is still made of 14 karat gold featuring a horseshoe and garland of roses around the horse and rider.

According to Churchill Downs the garland of roses is outfitted with 196 rubies, 96 marquise emeralds and 36 round emeralds draped across the withers of the horse atop the trophy. There also 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.

Ramage said Churchill Downs plans for its Kentucky Derby experience to make stops at Racing Louisville and Louisville Bats games this month. 

"It's springtime in Louisville," said Aaron Fegenbush, a LouCity fan. "I can't think of a better spot to be. I love this city, this is the place to be."

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. To purchase tickets, click here.

LouCity's next home match is Tuesday, April 16 against Greenville Triumph SC. To purchase tickets for LouCity matches, click here.

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