LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the first time in the history of the Kentucky Proud program and Churchill Downs racing, Kentucky thoroughbred contenders racing on Oaks and Derby days will bear the "Kentucky Proud" designation, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer announced today. Commissioner Comer said the branding initiative, “Kentucky Proud for Kentuckybreds," is a significant moment for Kentucky agriculture. “This is a mutually beneficial partnership because it places the spotlight on Kentucky’s world-class farms, breeders, and racing while placing the Kentucky Proud brand on a world stage,” Commissioner Comer told a packed house at the They’re Off! Luncheon at The Galt House. “With this initiative, we finally unite the entire Kentucky agriculture community.” Under the “Kentucky Proud for Kentuckybreds” branding initiative, the Kentucky Proud logo will appear next to the names of all horses bred in Kentucky in the official Churchill Downs racing programs for Oaks and Derby days.“One of the major goals of my administration is to fully integrate the equine industry, Kentucky’s signature industry, into our Kentucky Proud program, the most successful marketing initiative in the history of the Commonwealth,” Commissioner Comer said. “We began that process last year by ensuring that members of the horse industry would be eligible for Kentucky Proud funding, and today, we take a huge leap forward toward our ultimate goal.”

“This initiative is about the Kentucky Derby. It’s about the Kentucky Derby Festival. And it’s all about Kentucky Proud,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs racetrack and senior vice president of Churchill Downs Inc. “Commissioner, you and your staff have made us very proud.”

Kentucky Proud is the official state farm marketing program. Products marked with the green, red, and blue Kentucky Proud logo have been raised, grown, and/or processed in Kentucky by Kentuckians. Thousands of farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, school districts, farmers’ markets, Kentucky state parks, and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets are members of Kentucky Proud.

Source: Press release courtesy of Kentucky Department of Agriculture