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Superstition

Change made to horseshoe on Kentucky Derby trophy

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Posted: Wednesday April 07, 1999 06:44 PM

This year's trophy for the May 1 classic is valued at $75,000. AP

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- For the first time in 75 years, the winning owner of the Kentucky Derby won't receive a trophy that incorporates a racing superstition.

Churchill Downs changed the direction of the diamond horseshoe displayed on the trophy, pointing the ends upward.

They have always pointed down in the past even though lore has it that this allows all of the luck to run out of the horseshoe.

Derby history is unclear on whether a trophy was given owner Hal Price McGrath after his Aristides won the first Kentucky Derby in 1875.

Trophy presentations were made sporadically to other winners until an official winner's trophy was presented at the race's 50th renewal in 1924.

Since its introduction, the trophy's design has been changed only twice to honor notable anniversaries -- the 75th Derby in 1949 and the 100th in 1974.

This year's trophy will feature more than 300 rubies covering the withers of the 18-karat gold horse atop the trophy and representing the garland of red roses that is presented in the winner's circle. A band of 12 emeralds is placed below the nose, and just below the rim is a band of 50 rubies set in 18-karat gold filigree.

This year's trophy for the May 1 classic is valued at $75,000.

 

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