Man o'War: The Legacy at Kentucky Derby Museum

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 26, 2017) A new exhibit spotlighting one of the greatest Thoroughbreds of all time is now open at the Kentucky Derby Museum. “Man o’War: The Legacy” celebrates the life of one of Kentucky’s most famous horses. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his birth in Lexington, Ky.

The new interactive exhibit covers the life of Man ‘War, his impressive racing career, his ties to the Kentucky Derby and his lasting mark on Thoroughbred racing. Many of the items in the exhibit have been loaned to the museum by collector Ken Grayson. Featured items include the saddle used aboard Man o’War during his match race with Sir Barton, the first-ever Triple Crown winner, an admission ticket to that same race and the official program from the famous 1938 match race between War Admiral, son of Man o‘War, and the legendary Seabiscuit.

The exhibit will be featured in the Matt Winn Gallery through the end of the year and will be a part of visitors’ general admission experience. The Museum’s historic walking tours, which depart every 30 minutes, will also include additional information about Man o”War and his offspring’s Kentucky Derby accomplishments.

To coincide with the exhibit, the museum is offering the “Man o’War Tour to Mt Brilliant Farm.” The day-long tour begins at the Kentucky Derby Museum to watch the morning workouts at Churchill Downs Racetrack, a private gallery tour with Ken Grayson, the collector of many of the artifacts on exhibit and an optional lunch at the Derby Café. After lunch, depart for Mt Brilliant Farm, with access to Faraway Farm (where Man o’War spent his final years) to visit Man o’War’s fully-renovated barn, which includes memorabilia from the beloved champion. There are two tour dates available, May 31 and August 23.

For more information on the tour, the exhibit and the Kentucky Derby Museum, visit www.derbymuseum.org or call 502.637.1111.