Derby 139 trophy arrives at Churchill
|
The priceless solid gold trophy that will be presented to the owner of the three-year-old Thoroughbred that wins the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby has arrived safely at Churchill Downs exactly 40 days before the big race on the first Saturday in May. The 14-karat gold trophy was unveiled to members of the media Monday in the Directors Room on the fourth floor of the Churchill Downs Clubhouse. It started its journey to the Louisville, Kentucky, track after finishing touches were placed on the coveted prize by artisans at New England Sterling of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, which has created each Kentucky Derby winner's trophy since 1975. Marc Forbes of New England Sterling delivered the 2013 trophy to Churchill Downs, and donned white gloves to handle the special cup as it was unveiled just a few yards from the famed Twin Spires of the home of the Kentucky Derby. "Someone is going to realize their dream as they hoist this trophy above their head in the winner's circle with exhilaration of having won the Kentucky Derby," Forbes said. "Just as they have that exhilaration, so will New England Sterling and its artisans. We have manufactured this trophy since 1975 and take a lot of pride in doing so." |
Forbes was accompanied to Churchill Downs by two of the primary artisans who
created the 2103 trophy, the husband-wife team of Bill and Susanne Blackinton
Juaire. Susanne is a fifth-generation silversmith whose New England family first
entered the profession in 1862 -- 13 years before the 1875 running of the first
Kentucky Derby. Bill Juaire has been part of the team that has created the
trophy since 1986 and has contributed to the creation of 28 Kentucky Derby
winner's trophies.
"This trophy has been a part of my whole life," Susanne Blackinton Juaire
said. "We love to watch the end of the race and see the presentation of the cup,
and to see the smiles on all of the faces. It brings us a lot of joy."
Forbes said the trophy takes "about 2,000 man-hours" to create the trophy
each year.
The process to fashion each year's Derby begins the previous October on a
schedule designed for the delivery of the trophy to the Louisville track in late
March or early April.
Between now and Kentucky Derby Day, the trophy will be in the care of the
Kentucky Derby Museum. It will make public appearances at several events, which
include the annual "Taste of Derby" and creation of the Kentucky Derby Rose
Garland on Derby Eve, before it is transported to the Kentucky Derby winner's
circle for America's greatest race on May 4.
Kentucky Derby Trophy Quick Facts:
Churchill Downs President Col. Matt Winn for the "Golden Anniversary Derby"
in 1924.
approximately 65 ounces, excluding its jade base.
horseshoe-shaped wreath handles.
been faced downward since its creation in 1924, was turned 180 degrees.
Racing lore holds that the "luck will run out" of a horseshoe that is
pointed down.
125th (1999) runnings of the Kentucky Derby. Each of those trophies
included a mantle of "roses" fashioned from rubies and emeralds, along with
a horseshoe filled with diamonds. Similar additions are planned for the
trophy that will be presented at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in
2024.
trophies that are presented to the winning Kentucky Derby trainer, jockey
and breeder.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
Authors
Categories
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Daily Selections
Full racecard analysis/expert picks for major tracks from America's top handicappers.
Buy Nowe-ponies Picks
E-Ponies computer-based figures have been around since 1997. Using an algorithm written by the business owner and handicapper, Liam Durbin, and powered by BRIS data files, E-Ponies offers a unique, fact-based, dispassionate analysis of every horse in every race, assigning scores for speed, class, form, connections, and more. Forget which jockey owes you money! What does the data say!
Buy NowBruno With the Works
Bruno De Julio & team bring 30+ yrs experience observing racehorses to Brisnet with valuable insight into their morning routines & chances for success in the afternoons.
Buy NowValue Plays AI by Predicteform
Full race card program with easy-to-use win chances and contender classifications for every runner plus analysis of the Best Bet, Live Longshot, and Wagering Suggestions for every race.
Buy NowADVERTISEMENT