Louisville gears up for 150th

Louisville Tourism and the Kentucky Derby Museum have kicked off a year-long celebration leading up to the 150th Kentucky Derby next year. Both attended the Epsom Derby in June to start the anniversary countdown.

Epsom’s flagship race was the inspiration for the Kentucky Derby, which was first run at Louisville’s then Churchill Downs in 1875.

Racegoers this year included TV presenter Clare Balding and guests from the UK travel trade, media, and other celebrities that were all keen to be a part of racing history.

Louisville Tourism’s Director of Tourism Development, Jessica Morgan, and Kentucky Derby Museum’s Director of Communications, Katrina Helmer, attended the race to highlight the ties between British and American horse racing.

Kentucky Derby Museum President Patrick Armstrong said: “We believe a trip to Kentucky Derby 150 will be a bucketlist item for British horseracing fans, and we’re excited for the museum to be part of Louisville’s continued growth in international tourism.”

Tour operators have offered suggestions for how to sell Louisville to clients who want to be part of history next year.

“With the 150th anniversary of the

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Kentucky Derby in May 2024 there will be lots going on and, of course, the main event which takes place on the May 4 will be an experience not to miss,” says Andrew Bird at Purely America.

Ruby Briggs, Managing Director at Kennedy Travel, advises to book early “because hotels and tickets for the 150th Kentucky Derby will sell like hot cakes”. “Louisville really does have something to keep every age and every budget happy and is well worth including it in any Kentucky self-drive tour. With British Airways’ direct flights from London now serving Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati, it is very accessible and just over one hour’s drive away,” says Bird. gotolouisville.com