May 2-branded Kentucky Derby merch on sale with charitable twist

The Kentucky Derby Museum has announced itself as the online sales hub for all 2020 derby merchandise dated May 2, 2020.

More than 300 Derby 146 items branded with the race's original date will be available for online sale beginning Wednesday and running through May 3. The Kentucky Derby Museum will donate 20% of sales proceeds to Gov. Steve Beshear’s TEAM KY and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s One Louisville: COVID -19 Response Fund. 

The May 2-branded merchandise includes Apparel (T-shirts, polos, fleece, vests); caps; accessories (bags, socks, charms); glass and barware; home décor (posters, banners); party supplies; and collectibles (lapel pins, official derby glasses, logo pins, magnets, key rings).

This sale also includes Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby glasses which typically are not in wide distribution at this time. 

“Due to its wide availability, the official glass has always been popular with collectors,” said Chris Goodlett, Director of Curatorial and Educational Affairs. “Consequently, limited production runs or mistakes can make these highly sought after at auctions and other places of public sale. Of course, 2020 has presented a unique situation. With the Kentucky Derby being postponed, these Kentucky Derby 146 glasses were produced with the original date, May 2. Will the date change increase the value to collectors?”

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Churchill Downs to change the Derby's date to Sept. 5.

“As a major local retail arm of all official Kentucky Derby merchandise, we find ourselves in the unique position of offering Kentucky Derby glasses, wearables, and other merchandise branded with the date of May 2, 2020. This moment in time represents a historically significant point in our lives,” said Patrick Armstrong, CEO Kentucky Derby Museum. “So how can we take this merchandise and turn it into a win-win for our community and the museum?

"We know first-hand how this crisis has impacted the heart and soul of this community and our state. Therefore, we made the decision to help by donating 20% of sales proceeds of the Kentucky Derby May 2 merchandise. The balance of the proceeds will help fund the Museum’s mission to educate Kentucky’s students about the importance of the Kentucky Derby – to our culture, community, and economy. We are in this together.” 

To visit our online shop for May 2 merchandise, visit https://derbymuseumstore.com/.