The Kentucky Derby Museum is in the final stretch of updating its iconic Winner's Circle exhibit to honor the unforgettable victory of Sovereignty in the 151st Kentucky Derby. Updates are currently underway and expected to be completed in early June, just in time for families, tourists, and racing fans from across the globe to add the museum to their summer travel plans.
Each year, the museum revamps its Winner's Circle exhibit to spotlight the latest Derby champion, and Sovereignty's turn is coming soon. The horse entered the 2025 Kentucky Derby as a fan favorite with strong bloodlines, ultimately claiming victory by more than a full length.
"Every Derby winner leaves their mark on history, and Sovereignty's powerful run in the 151st Kentucky Derby is something we're proud to showcase," said Patrick Armstrong, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum. "This exhibit is a must-see for our hundreds of thousands of visitors, and with all the updates coming this June, we hope families will make the museum part of their summer adventures in Louisville. Congratulations to the entire Sovereignty team!"
Since opening 40 years ago in 1985, the museum has featured a replica Derby champion in its Winner's Circle exhibit. Louisville artist Mike Prather has been painting and airbrushing the life-sized horse replicas since 1999, capturing every nuance of each Thoroughbred. Work on this latest transformation is already in progress to paint Sovereignty's likeness. This summer, the replica horse will take center stage alongside a replica jockey dressed in the winning team's silks.
In addition to the replica horse, there will also be a display of self-guided panels and newly loaned artifacts tied to Sovereignty, including a halter and racing silks. In a special nod to the historic weekend, the Winner's Circle exhibit will also highlight the triumph of Good Cheer, the 2025 Kentucky Oaks winner, with a previously worn horseshoe and halter on display. Both Thoroughbreds share connections through their ownership team, making this year's exhibit a unique celebration of wins in both the Oaks and Derby races.
As part of the annual refresh, the museum is also updating its front lobby banner to celebrate Sovereignty's win. As always, the award-winning 360° movie, The Greatest Race, will include footage from the most recent Kentucky Derby. Earlier this year, the film underwent a $2 million upgrade for the museum's 40th anniversary featuring enhanced visuals, immersive lighting effects, and new interviews.
Guests can plan a visit and stay up to date on the latest exhibit enhancements by visiting the museum's website.
