FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear today unveiled the 2012 Governor’s Commemorative Derby poster, and announced the first annual "darby Dash" races for children, hosted by the Frankfort YMCA on Saturday, May 5 in downtown Frankfort.

This year’s poster features a photograph by John Stephen Hockensmith, in which he captures the undefeated thoroughbred Barbaro as he rounds Churchill Downs’ first turn on his way to winning the 2006 Kentucky Derby.  

“We are honored to continue this time-honored tradition of unveiling the commemorative Derby poster,” said Gov. Beshear.  “This artwork exemplifies the excitement and enthusiasm that surrounds the greatest two minutes in sports and serves as a wonderful memento for the public.”

Barbaro’s 2006 Derby margin of victory was the biggest since Triple Crown winner Assault won in 1946. Following his impressive victory, Barbaro was the strong favorite going into the Preakness.  But after breaking prematurely from the starting gate, Barbaro suffered catastrophic injuries in his right hind leg, causing him to pull up quickly when the race was re-started. The following day, Barbaro underwent surgery and battled to overcome ensuing complications after the operation.  The public followed Barbaro’s battle to survive for more than eight months until his team of veterinarians and owners concluded that he could not be saved.  

“Barbaro is one of the most beloved thoroughbreds in racing history – not just for his victories, but for his heroic struggles after his Preakness injury,” said Mrs. Beshear.  “John Stephen Hockensmith’s photograph truly highlights the Derby champion at the top his game, and this year’s poster is a beautiful keepsake for Barbaro fans and all racing enthusiasts.”

A portion of the proceeds from the Governor’s Derby poster sales will benefit First Lady Jane Beshear’s Horses and Hope Program and the Equine Health and Welfare Alliance Inc.  Horses and Hope provides breast cancer education, awareness, screening and treatment referral to uninsured and underinsured employees of Kentucky’s thoroughbred industry.  The Equine Health and Welfare Alliance Inc. directly supports efforts addressing equine health and safety in Kentucky. 

The 2012 poster is $15 and will be available for purchase Derby morning at the Governor’s Derby Celebration in downtown Frankfort.  The poster is also available now for purchase online at Historic Properties Online Store. 

 

“The Derby Dash is a fantastic new way to involve children and families in the fun, competitive spirit of the Derby day,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Thank you to the Frankfort YMCA for organizing this event and best of luck to all our young racers!” 

There will be four separate races as part of the Derby Dash for children ages 2-12.  The different race categories are divided in to age groups.  The groups, each race’s distance and the start times for each race are as follows:  

Ages 2-3, 1/4 mile, 9 a.m. 

Ages 4-6, 1/3 mile, 9:15 a.m. 

Ages 7-8, 3/4 mile, 9:30 a.m. 

Ages 9-12, 1 1/4 mile, 10 a.m. (1 ¼ mile is the same distance as the Kentucky Derby) 

Each child must pre-register to participate in the races.  Participants can click here to register online at Derby Dash Registration or sign-up in person at any Frankfort YMCA location.  Thanks to the support of Whitaker Bank and Good Shepherd School, there is no cost to register or participate in the event. 

The shorter races will take place on Broadway in downtown Frankfort and the longer race course will be a route throughout the downtown area.  Each participant will receive a special “Governor’s Derby Celebration” racing bib and signature Derby medal. 

“The Frankfort YMCA is proud to be a part of the Governor’s Derby Day Celebration and excited to offer a fun, healthy activity to the children in our community,” said Zack Hall, branch executive director of the Frankfort YMCA.  

Earlier this month, Governor and Mrs. Beshear announced that the 76th annual Governor’s Derby Celebration will be held in historic downtown Frankfort for the second year in a row.  This year’s celebration will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eastern time and is free and open to the public.  Click here for more information on the event.