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"Art Of The Kentucky Derby" Expands To Include Gift And Home Décor Items
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 20, 2003) - The product line of Churchill Downs'
popular "Art of the Kentucky Derby" series, the official art of the
Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks which this year features the vintage
style works of American illustrator Laura Smith, has been expanded this
year to include gift and home décor items.
JettSport, Inc., the Louisville, Ky.-based sport and event
graphics company that is the licensee for the "Art of the Kentucky Derby
Series" and other Churchill Downs artwork, procured Laura Smith's
participation in the popular series and has worked with several
companies to expand the roster of products inspired by the official art
for the 129th running of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks into those
new areas. The series' artwork has traditionally adorned commemorative
posters for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks along with tickets to
the two events and other officially licensed merchandise.
New items in the expanded list of products inspired by Smith's
artwork for the 2003 "Art of the Kentucky Derby" series include:
Accent pillows, baby clothes and tote bags by the O'Halloran Company
Metal pins by Abby Glen Studios
Jewelry collection by Blue Moon Artworks
Glass mosaic trays and boxes with jockey silk and rose themes by Judy Rosenfield
Derby129-inspired handbags designed by Annette Cable.
Most of the companies and designers that have produced the new gift and
home décor items have close ties to the hometown of the Kentucky Derby.
Abby Glen Studios, Blue Moon Artworks, Judy Rosenfield and Annette Cable
are based in Louisville, Ky. The O'Halloran Company, which specializes
in equine and country life clothing and gift items, is located in
Millerton, N.Y.
"The 'Art of the Kentucky Derby' series has quickly become a
Kentucky Derby
tradition and the excitement and creativity that JettSport, Inc. has
brought to the series has the series well-positioned for continued
growth," said Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs. "The
expansion of the line of products inspired by this year's official Derby
and Oaks art is a significant step in the growth of the series and it
will provide fans of both our races and Laura Smith's wonderful artwork
with more opportunities to celebrate the history and pageantry of
Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks."
"We're very excited by the group of companies and designers that have
joined Churchill Downs in creating these new gift and home décor items
inspired by the official artwork for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks," said
Clare Jett, co-owner of JettSport, Inc. "Their work is recognized
nationally for its beauty and quality and we believe these new products
will be enjoyed by Derby and Oaks fans for years to come."
The new products inspired by Smith's "Art of the Kentucky
Artwork" are available for purchase through the individual companies and
designers. They are also available in the Louisville area at the
Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop, Dillard's, A Taste of Kentucky and
other retail outlets in the region.
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted
Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky
Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship
racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) also operates
Trackside Louisville, an off-track betting and training facility.
Churchill Downs will conduct the 129th running of the Kentucky Derby on
May 3, 2003. The track's 2003 Spring Meet will be held April 26 through
July 6. Churchill Downs has served as host to the Breeders' Cup World
Thoroughbred Championships a record five times. Information about
Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com
.
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