LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs has unveiled the stunning 14-karat solid gold trophy which will be presented to the winner of the 150th Kentucky Derby alongside the largest purse in the world-renowned race's history.
Since the 50th Kentucky Derby in 1924, the winner of the "Run for the Roses" has received a gold trophy alongside the purse and title. This year's trophy was handcrafted by silversmiths of S.R. Blackinton in Smithfield, Rhode Island and took more than six months to create, officials said.
According to a news release, the trophy stands 22 inches tall and weighs just under 68 ounces -- excluding its jade base and unique gems added to the milestone trophy.
The trophy features a 14-karat gold horseshoe pointed upward on the front, the top holds a 15-karat gold horse and rider, and the sides feature a pair of horseshoe-shaped wreath handles.
Officials said as with previous commemorative trophies for the 75th, 100th and 125th Kentucky Derby, this special trophy is embellished with hundreds of small jewels.
Atop the trophy, there is a miniature garland of roses adorned with 196 rubies, 96 marquise emeralds and 36 round emeralds. There are also 12 diamonds on the cover cape beneath the horse, 38 rubies on the circular braid atop the gold cup and eight diamonds within the horseshoe on the front.
Churchill Downs believes the Kentucky Derby's trophy is the only solid gold trophy to be awarded annually to the winner of a major American sporting event.
Officials said three small sterling silver replica trophies are presented to the winning jockey, trainer and breeder of the Kentucky Derby.
The 150th Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4. Get your tickets here.
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