Churchill Downs unveiled the logo for next year's 129th Kentucky Derby (G1) on Wednesday morning in the Great Hall at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville.

The logo was designed by Churchill Downs Inc. and will adorn officially licensed merchandise and other premium items created for the event.

The three-color, diamond shaped logo shows a head-on view of a Thoroughbred and jockey against a black and white background. To the left of the horse and jockey are the words "Kentucky Derby" and a larger "129" that is located just below the company's familiar Twin Spires logo. The Derby's date of May 3, 2003, and the words "Churchill Downs" are located to the right of the horse and a red rose, which represents the garland of roses that goes to the Derby winner, is located at the bottom of the design.

"The introduction of the of the new Kentucky Derby 129 logo marks the beginning of the countdown to next spring's celebration of the Run for the Roses," said Tyrone Tubbs, vice president of sales for Churchill Downs. "Our new logo contains the strongest elements of the great Derby tradition."

Churchill Downs is offering a special package of Derby 129 clothing and merchandise that includes a limited edition pin with the new logo, and a "Kentucky Derby 129 Dream Weekend Sweepstakes," which will offer a grand prize of a trip for four to the 2003 Derby.

More information is available at

http://www.kentuckyderby.com