(edited press release)Kentucky Derby winning jockeys Ira Hanford and Johnny Sellers will become the latest riders to lend their handprints to the Galt House Hotel & Suite's "Gallop to Glory" tribute to Kentucky Derby winning jockeys on May 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Hanford, the oldest living winner, won the Derby on Bold Venture in 1936, while Sellers guided Carry Back to victory in the Run for the Roses in 1961.
Since the unveiling of the tribute in 2005 by the Galt House, 17 Derby winning jockeys, including 2005 Derby winner Mike Smith and now retired Hall of Fame jockeys Pat Day, Jerry Bailey and Gary Stevens have lent their handprints and signatures to the tribute. The most recent addition was Steve Cauthen, the last jockey to win the Triple Crown in 1978 aboard Affirmed. The permanent exhibit is located at the main entrance of the hotel.
In addition to the handprint ceremony, the Galt House will host a popular Kentucky Derby fundraiser for the first time that evening in Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event, a favorite among racing fans and horsemen formerly held at Furlongs, will benefit the Jockeys Guild's programs to aid disabled riders, and will feature riders competing in Saturday's Kentucky Derby as bartenders.
"The Galt House is thrilled to partner with the Jockeys Guild to celebrate Louisville's long tradition in horseracing and to help raise needed funds for disabled jockeys," said Lisa Haller, executive director of sales and marketing. "With so many out of town guests here for the Derby, we hope they will take time to visit the Gallop to Glory tribute and Jockeys Silks Bourbon Bar."