40 Pounds, 400+ Roses, and Drops of Louisville Pure Tap®

A symbol for the Kentucky Derby has a Louisville Water connection. Each of the more than 400 roses in the Garland of Roses are placed in a vial that contains Louisville Pure Tap®, preserving them for the Kentucky Derby winner. As with most Kentucky Derby symbols, there’s a story. Churchill Downs’ history shows the first published account of roses draped on the winning horse came in 1896. And in 1925, a New York sports columnist who later served as president of Churchill Downs, dubbed the race the “Run for the Roses.” A local florist shop owner designed the first Garland of Roses in 1932. Today, Kroger employees carefully assemble the garland with “Freedom Roses.” The finished prize weighs 40 pounds and drapes the winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Louisville Water is proud to supply water to the famous track, quench the thirst of horses and visitors, and keep the roses pristine for a prized three-year-old.


Cheers to the 150th Kentucky Derby!