Dust Commander's Derby Trophy to Museum

Edited Churchill Downs release
The Kentucky Derby Museum announced Friday that it has acquired the 1970 Kentucky Derby trophy presented to the owners of Dust Commander after the running of the 96th classic on May 2, 1970.

"The Derby trophy is one of the most coveted trophies in the world of sports. It is the shining symbol of the traditions and rich heritage for which the Kentucky Derby is known around the world," states Lynn Ashton, executive director of the Kentucky Derby Museum. "Collecting and preserving Derby history is what the Kentucky Derby Museum is about and it is an honor for us to add the Dust Commander trophy to our collection."

As the first Kentucky Derby starter and the family's only Kentucky Derby win, the Dust Commander Derby trophy was displayed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lehmann.

"We feel that there is no better place in the world than the Kentucky Derby Museum to display the Dust Commander trophy for everyone to enjoy," said Larry Lehmann, son of the late Robert E. Lehmann. "The Derby trophy was such a delight to my father and mother, Verna Lehmann, and we know it will bring the same pleasure to the visitors of the Museum."

The Kentucky Derby trophy, which was first awarded in 1924, is made of 14-karate gold, stands 22 inches tall and weighs 56 ounces excluding the marble base. The decorations on the trophy, including the horse and rider, are made of 18-karate gold.

Dust Commander's win was the only Derby win for owner Robert E. Lehmann, trainer Don Combs and jockey Mike Manganello. The 1970 Kentucky Derby played a significant role in Derby history, being the first Kentucky Derby in which a female jockey rode. Diane Crump rode Fathom who finished 15th.