The official event logo for the 134th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) has been released by Churchill Downs.

The logo was designed by artists for The Game, a sports merchandising company that produces officially licensed Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks apparel, gift items, and collectibles and has previously worked with Churchill Downs and the racetrack’s licensing agency, IMG Worldwide, to develop a variety of Kentucky Derby-branded products, Churchill said in a Nov. 2 release.

The logo features a Thoroughbred racehorse and jockey, outlined in shades of pink, orange, and red, set against a deep-blue background that includes a stylized version of Churchill Downs’ Twin Spires, the same symbols now used as the corporate trademark of Churchill Downs and its parent company, Churchill Downs Inc.

The Derby is scheduled to be run May 3, 2008.

Churchill Downs utilized consumer focus groups during the logo selection process and incorporated customers’ feedback in the final design. The event logo will adorn all officially licensed merchandise and a variety of products and promotional materials associated with Kentucky Derby 134.

In conjunction with the official Kentucky Derby 134 logo unveiling, Churchill Downs launched a Kentucky Derby and Oaks ticket offer that gives Visa Signature cardholders exclusive access to premier tickets and a VIP experience during the 2008 “Run for the Roses.”

Visa Signature cardholders can purchase premium experience packages that include reserved clubhouse seats for the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, access to exclusive hospitality areas, food, and beverages, and nearby parking with complimentary shuttle service to Churchill Downs.

The Visa Signature card VIP Kentucky Derby 134 ticket packages provide reserved Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks seats for two persons, priced at $2,550 (limit five packages per customer), and are available for purchase by Visa Signature cardholders beginning Nov. 2.

Visa Signature cardholders can visit www.visa.com/signature for information and to purchase their VIP Kentucky Derby 134 ticket packages.