Just-released 2012 Kentucky Derby poster
features beloved Barbaro during 2006 victory

Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear have unveiled the 2012 Governor’s Commemorative Derby poster. This year’s poster features a photograph by John Stephen Hockensmith that captures the undefeated thoroughbred Barbaro as he rounds Churchill Downs’ first turn on his way to winning the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
 

“This artwork exemplifies the excitement and enthusiasm that surrounds the greatest two minutes in sports and serves as a wonderful memento for the public,” Gov. Beshear said.
 

Barbaro’s 2006 Derby margin of victory was the biggest since Triple Crown winner Assault won in 1946. Following his impressive victory, Barbaro was the strong favorite going into the Preakness. But after breaking prematurely from the starting gate, Barbaro suffered catastrophic injuries in his right hind leg, causing him to pull up quickly when the race was restarted. The following day, Barbaro underwent surgery and battled to overcome ensuing complications after the operation. The public followed Barbaro’s battle to survive for more than eight months until his team of veterinarians and owners concluded that he could not be saved.
 

A portion of the proceeds from the governor’s Derby poster sales will benefit Mrs. Beshear’s Horses and Hope Program and the Equine Health and Welfare Alliance Inc. Horses and Hope provides breast cancer education, awareness, screening and treatment referral to uninsured and underinsured employees of Kentucky’s thoroughbred industry. The Equine Health and Welfare Alliance Inc. directly supports efforts addressing equine health and safety in Kentucky.
 

The 2012 poster is $15 and will be available for purchase Derby morning at the Governor’s Derby Celebration in downtown Frankfort. The poster is also available now for purchase online at Historic Properties Online Store.
 

The 76th annual Governor’s Derby Celebration will be held in historic downtown Frankfort for the second year in a row. This year’s celebration will be held on Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (EDT) and is free and open to the public.
 

Information on the Governor’s Derby Celebration, including an electronic invitation, a downloadable version of the Governor’s Derby poster, and more is available here. The website will be updated as more information on the celebration is released.

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