The 150th Run for the Roses will be a little extra special this year. Seven months before the first Saturday in May, the “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby” has been unveiled.
The year, the art was created by Wylie Caudill, an artist from Cynthiana, Churchill Downs announced Thursday.
Caudill’s artwork for the 150th Kentucky Derby is full of colorful Derby-themed staples, including the Kentucky Derby Trophy at the center of a circular frame of multi-colored cartoonish roses. The center of the artwork also shows the new paddock under the iconic Twin Spires. The piece’s 150 red roses represent the Derby Winner’s Circle surrounded by white, gold and cerulean roses to “symbolize the colorful fans of the Derby from around the world,” according to a press release.
“Wylie Caudill is renowned for his exceptional talent in murals and large-scale art,” the release states. “Caudill got his start doing chalk art on the streets of his college campus. After falling in love with public art, Wylie expanded his street art to murals that can be seen across Kentucky, many of which include his signature roses.”
This is the seventh year in a row that Churchill Downs has picked a Kentucky-based artist for its official art.
“We were drawn to Wylie’s rose design as it resonates with one of our most beloved Kentucky Derby traditions, which is presenting the winning Thoroughbred with a garland of red roses,” Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships with Churchill Downs, said in the release. “Wylie’s artwork captures Churchill Downs’ historic Twin Spires and our future by showcasing our newly-reimagined Paddock to enhance the fan experience. We are thrilled to be working with him.”
Caudill will also be the official artist for the Woodford Reserve Commemorative Derby Bottle. As the official artist for both programs, Caudill will create original murals around Churchill Downs and surprise locations in the months leading up to the 150th Kentucky Derby.
“As a Kentucky native, it is an immense honor to be part of such a milestone year for the Commonwealth’s most notable event,” Caudill said in the release. “It’s difficult for me to fathom the scale of this opportunity and moment in history, but I am thrilled I was chosen to be the official artist for the 150th Kentucky Derby.”
Caudill’s art will be featured on the 2024 Kentucky Derby official racing programs and other merchandise. Prints will be available for purchase, including 150 special edition prints, at the first “Road to Kentucky Derby” race at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Churchill Downs Store and Kentucky Derby Museum. Prints will be available online beginning Monday. For more information, visit kentuckyderbystore.com.
Reach reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com.