Blog

By Holly Hinson Alice Bridges wears many hats, including on occasion a fancy Derby hat as a Churchill Downs Host ambassador, welcoming horse owners to the track on Oaks and Derby days. But she also is a convener, communicator, coordinator, facilitator, community advocate, fundraiser, marketing manager, and health and wellness champion. But throughout all those roles, Alice says “her passion is helping all people to thrive.” For more than 30 years, Alice has been a familiar face in the Louisville community, working for organizations such as Jewish Hospital and KentuckyOne Health to advance mission and [...]

Here's a good starting point for nurturing your crafty side. Find out where you can buy these items and let the creativity begin! Barnhart Derby Chocolate Bar $10, available at Cellar Door Chocolates, 502.561.2940; Bourbon Balls $40, available at Cellar Door Chocolates; Scooter Davidson Beaded Horseshoe $25, available at Kore Gallery, 502.333.4335; Leather earrings $35, available at Scout, 502.584.8989; Emmylou Small Foldover Clutch $37, available at Block Party Handmade 502.589.1133 or 502.873.7571; Bourbon Built Flask $28, available at Regalo, 502.584.8999; Magenta Tulip Hand-Stitched Pocket Square $18, available at the Anchal Project, 502.709.4377; Alyson Thiel Paper Flower $10, available at Revelry, 502.414.1278; Hanna Barnhart 5X7 [...]

Chelsea Ryan, 26 Exercise Rider at Winstar Farm How long have you exercised race horses? About four years. Do you exercise or have you exercised any horses that have run in the Derby or Oaks? While I worked for Dominick Schettino I was fortunate to work with 2017 KY Derby Winner, Always Dreaming before he switched trainers. How long do you typically exercise a horse in a day and how many horses are you responsible for? Each day can be very different. We normally train for about 4-5 hours six days a week and in [...]

By Lucy M. Pritchett Although originally from California, Lisa Higgins quickly caught Derby fever once she moved here 25 years ago with her husband Sean, a Louisville native. In February 2008, the couple founded Mint Julep Tours and Transportation. Lisa has a background in advertising and special events, and Sean brings his tech expertise to the partnership. “We are now celebrating our 10th Derby season,” Lisa says. “When we started out we had one 14-passenger bus and a van — both of which we parked in the driveway of our home. I used the kitchen [...]