Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs to spend $150K to reach more students. What to know

Posted by author September 4, 2024 Horse Racing

Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs to spend 0K to reach more students. What to know

Spread the love

The tens of thousands of students who visit the Kentucky Derby Museum are likely to learn a variety of things about the horseracing industry, including how to wash and dry a thoroughbred racehorse, and the legacy of women owners, trainers, and jockeys in the industry.

Students also learn about how 15 of the first 28 Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys were African American and how the Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern populations contribute greatly to the Derby story.

In 2024, more than 32,000 students benefited from the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Education Department. Now, thanks to a multi-year partnership with Churchill Downs, student education about the historic racetrack will have an even greater reach.

Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum have announced a new multi-year partnership of $150,000 over three years to bolster the museum’s in-house field trips and outreach programs ensuring students across Kentucky and beyond can experience the magic of the Derby.

“We are excited to partner with Churchill Downs on this important initiative that directly supports our mission to engage, educate, and excite students about the Kentucky Derby,” Patrick Armstrong, president and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum, said. “This generous commitment allows us to continue offering free educational programs that our instructors are so passionate about. With our organizations’ shared love of education, we’re proud to work together with Churchill Downs to not only preserve the Derby’s legacy but also inspire the next generation.”

The funding will allow the museum to continue offering free in-house field trips during January and February and free outreach programming throughout the school year, extending the museum’s reach to schools that may not be able to travel to Louisville.

“Churchill Downs is thrilled to come together with the Kentucky Derby Museum, one of our long-time partners on this incredible education initiative,” added Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Educating the next generation of horse racing fans is so important to the vitality of the sport. The Kentucky Derby Museum has a long history of educating the next generation on the history, richness, and legacy of the Kentucky Derby, and we are excited to partner with them to continue this great work.”

The Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave., is located on the grounds of the Churchill Downs. For more information on the educational opportunities offered by the museum, visit derbymuseum.org.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.