Visitors can relive Mystik Dan’s unforgettable victory in the 150th Kentucky Derby® by visiting the newly updated Winner’s Circle exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Visitors can plan their Kentucky Derby Museum experience by visiting derbymuseum.org.
Every year, the Museum updates the Winner’s Circle to commemorate the latest Derby champion and this year is no exception. At odds of 18-1, Mystik Dan’s victory was the closest finish in the three-horse picture since 1947.
Mike Prather, a local artist who was first commissioned by the Museum to paint a replica Derby horse in 1999, captured all of Mystik Dan’s unique markings and details to match the look. his exterior as he crossed the finish line on May 4, 2024. The replica jockey is also adorned with team silks. After taking a selfie with the Derby winners, visitors can learn the story of their journey to victory by learning about the connection between victory through a series of self-guided panels in exhibition.
New this year, the Museum is delighted to display the following items on loan for the exhibition, highlighting a historic double win with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. and trainer Kenny McPeek on winning both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby: wearing a halter and horseshoe by Mystik Dan and a halter and horseshoe by Thorpedo Anna.
As part of the annual updates, the Museum’s lobby banner and its signature 18-minute 360° film, “The Greatest Race,” now include stunning photo finishes by Mystik Dan.
“The Kentucky Derby Museum is excited to bring Mystik Dan’s inspiring victory to life,” said Patrick Armstrong, Derby Museum President and CEO. “Congratulations to all Mystik Dan connections on such an epic win! Updates to the Winner’s Circle and the inclusion of Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna’s story make this exhibition a something that cannot be ignored.”
The Kentucky Derby Museum set attendance records last year with more than 251,000 visitors, and the Museum exceeded attendance expectations during Derby week. From Opening Night to the Sunday after the Derby, 12,133 guests visited the Museum, surpassing the predicted 10,000 visitors and exceeding the 2023 total attendance during the same time frame by 24.6%.
“The entire Kentucky Derby Museum Team has done an incredible job executing all of our Derby 150 projects, delivering results,” said Katie Fussenegger, Executive Vice President of the Kentucky Derby Museum. Incredible for 2024.” “This gives the Museum spectacular momentum as we have begun work on major projects leading up to our 40th anniversary next year.”
Updates to the Winners’ Circle, along with new exhibits created for the 150th anniversary, are expected to attract even more visitors during the busy summer tourist season.
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