(Posted from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture)
Kentucky Proud, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s powerful marketing brand and the official agricultural marketing brand for the state, is sponsoring this year’s Mamzelle Stakes (GIII) race.
The race for 3-year-old fillies will be April 30, the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby. Known locally as “Thurby,” the day brings tens of thousands to Churchill Downs Racetrack, cementing its status as the third-largest day of Kentucky Derby Week. Last year, attendance was around 60,000.
“We are excited to highlight some of Kentucky’s best and brightest agricultural products during this year’s Kentucky Derby Week,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Bringing together some of Kentucky’s best with Kentucky’s premier sporting event week is a match worth celebrating.”
As the race’s sponsor, the Kentucky Proud logo will be placed on the saddle towel of the horses in the race and Kentucky Proud officials will join the winning connections of the Mamzelle Stakes inside the Churchill Downs winner’s circle for a trophy presentation. A bouquet of Kentucky Proud flowers will also be presented to the Mamzelle Stakes’ winner. The bouquet will incorporate flowers from four Kentucky flower farms including 4 J’s Family Farm, Wild Roots, Late June Flowers, and Firmly Rooted Flowers.
During Kentucky Derby Week, which began the Saturday before the Kentucky Derby on April 25 and continues through Derby Day on Saturday, May 2, Kentucky Proud food items will be served in Churchill Down’s Director’s Room. Signage will also be displayed highlighting the special menu of Kentucky cuisine.
Kentucky Proud was established in 2002 as the central platform to promote Kentucky’s farms and farm products. The highly distinguishable and recognizable Kentucky Proud brand identifies products raised, grown, or processed in Kentucky.
Since 2013, the Kentucky Proud brand has been listed on Churchill Downs racing programs to signify horses bred and foaled in the Commonwealth, highlighting the state’s illustrious horse industry.