Churchill Downs unveils 2023 Kentucky Derby logo

Churchill Downs Racetrack unveiled the official logo for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, and the event mark pays homage to a notable anniversary and salutes the victors of one of the most testing feats in all of sports.

Highlighted by the Kentucky Derby’s iconic color palette of red, black, gold and white, the Kentucky Derby 149 logo features diamonds intended to replicate the blocks in legendary Secretariat’s famed blue and white silks as 2023 will be the 50th anniversary of his unforgettable Triple Crown sweep. Meanwhile, the number of 13 diamonds is reverence to the number of Thoroughbreds who won all three races in the Triple Crown.

The diamonds are set within a coat of arms shield that projects the achievements, heritage, longevity and stability of the Kentucky Derby, which dates to 1875.

The logo, designed by New York-based marketing agency SME, will be used on a variety of Kentucky Derby merchandise.

The 2023 Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 6.

Churchill Downs also released its official logo for the 149th running of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) for 3-year-old fillies on Friday, May 5.