LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The 64th running of the Kindergarten Derby at Louisville Collegiate School happened on the Thursday before Kentucky Derby 152.
Louisville's tallest jockey, WDRB's Keith Kaiser got a look at one of Collegiate’s most treasured traditions.
The school’s 5-and 6-year-old “jockeys” competed with their self-decorated hobbyhorses with matching silks.
Children bearing the name of actual Derby contenders raced around the well-groomed track in hopes of winning the “blanket of roses” created by students.
The event is attended by the entire JK-12 community of students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff.
A Collegiate “Pegasus Parade” of Lower School students kicked off the event.
Louisville Collegiate School is a JK-12, co-ed independent day school located in the historic Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky.
This year's winner was a filly, Sadie Stepusin on "So Happy" won the 2026 Kindergarten Derby.
Second was Ellis Clark on "Renegade", followed by Margie Goodman on "The Puma".
A big thank you to Becker & Durski Turf Goods for creating Keith's custom jockey silks.
Click here to get connected to Louisville Collegiate School.
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
