African American’s Role in Horse Racing Honored in New Exhibits and Experiences

Horse racing is one of America’s oldest and most cherished traditions. From the Kentucky Derby, which celebrated its 145th anniversary in 2019 to the annual Keeneland auctions, Kentucky is the epicenter for American horse culture. Beginning in 2019, the Bluegrass State introduced new heritage itineraries and museum exhibits to pay homage to its African American history, including the horsemen who helped shape this culture. Unforgettable Kentucky African American Heritage Experiences include three itineraries covering 27 attractions piece together the untold and unforgettable stories of African American history in Kentucky. The itineraries are divided by geographical region and include Louisville & Surrounding Areas, Lexington & Surrounding Areas and a Statewide Itinerary. For more information or to view the three routes, visit www.unforgettableky.com. Kentucky Horse Park Exhibit Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf follows the racing careers of legendary jockeys, including Oliver Lewis, Isaac Murphy and Jimmy Winkfield, the last African American to win the Kentucky Derby in 1902. The exhibit includes rare works by equine artist Edward Troye, who documented African American horsemen when few would. For more information, visit: www.kyhorsepark.com. Kentucky Derby Museum African American Exhibit – Many believe Isaac Murphy was one of the greatest jockeys of all time. He competed in the Kentucky Derby 11 times and won three of those. The Kentucky Derby Museum’s African American Exhibit follows Murphy’s life and imparts valuable lessons of honor and virtue to the next generation of jockeys, historians and horse lovers. For more information, visit: www.derbymuseum.org. For information about new African American heritage exhibits and experiences available across Kentucky, visit http://www.kentuckytourism.com.