Churchill releases Derby, Oaks artwork

On Wednesday, Churchill Downs released the official artworks for the

137 runnings of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1).

The Derby artwork, titled "Victory," shows a dappled gray horse of majestic

stature wrapped in a blanket of brilliant red roses that appear to turn into the

colorful crowd. The jubilant jockey is fierce in his winning expression. The

work captures the moments just after the race with magnificent colors

and an energetic composition.

The Kentucky Oaks painting is a festive glance of the day that has come to be

called "Ladies First."  While the dapper gentleman is prominent, the ladies

are the stars, seeing and being seen.

Kentucky Derby 137 and Kentucky Oaks 137 artwork products, including

Derby and Oaks posters, are available for purchase

online

and will be on sale in the

Churchill Downs Gift Shop on Friday with artist Lesley Humphrey

on hand to sign merchandise between 6-8 p.m. (EST), her only scheduled local

appearance before Kentucky Derby weekend.

In 2005, Humphrey was presented to H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham

Palace following a commission by the Grenadier Guards of the Grenadier General.

After her appointment as the Official Artist of the 2011 Kentucky Derby,

Humphrey stated that she was "as excited about this opportunity" as she was to

have met The Queen.

"I painted this painting because I wanted the viewer to feel like a winner.

Every color, line and gesture was painted with this in mind. I want the fans to

feel like this is their horse, coming to them, looking at them. I hoped that the

painting would convey a sense of passion and joy -- a visual representation of

what it feels like to have achieved the pinnacle of success that is symbolized

each year by the Derby. The circle, the halo of success was created by a word

that I had inscribed into the design to help convey the message of the piece,

like a golden whisper."

Officials from Churchill Downs and JettStream Productions, which is in its

10th year as the official licensee of the "Art of the Kentucky Derby" series,

will join Humphrey at the historic racetrack on Friday to formally unveil the work that will appear on posters, prints, tickets,

racing programs and officially licensed product for the 2011 Kentucky Derby and

Kentucky Oaks.

All

merchandise also will be on sale at Churchill Downs Store, which is open

on-track through the end of the Fall Meet on November 28, as well as the

Louisville International Airport store and retailers.