What is the Garland of Roses at Kentucky Derby? When did it begin?

You've likely heard the The Kentucky Derby referred to as "The Run for the Roses." But what does that actually mean?

The name comes from the tradition of draping Kentucky Derby winner with the Garland of Roses in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs.

Here's the history behind "The Run for the Roses" nickname and everything you need to know about the Garland of Roses before the 2026 Kentucky Derby, held this year on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Ky.

Why are roses associated with the Kentucky Derby?

According to the Kentucky Derby media guide, the first connection came in 1883 when roses were presented to women attending a Derby party given by New York socialite Evander Berry Wall.

“The roses created such a sensation with the ladies that track president Col. M. Lewis Clark decided to feature the rose as the official flower for the 1884 Kentucky Derby," The Courier Journal previously reported.

The first published account of roses draped on the winning horse came in 1896 when Ben Brush was given a collar of white and pink roses.

What does 'The Run for the Roses' mean?

New York sports columnist Bill Corum coined the phrase “Run for the Roses” in 1925, but the Kentucky Derby’s connection with the flower traces decades before.

Roses became the traditional way of honoring the Derby winner in the early 1900s, and the first official Garland of Roses was designed in 1932 by Louisville florist Grace Walker and presented to winning horse Burgoo King.

Who makes the Garland of Roses for the Kentucky Derby?

The Kroger Company has been crafting the garland for the Kentucky Derby since 1987.

According to KentuckyDerby.com, "each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the twin spires and number of the race's current renewal on the other."

Did you know that each garland is also adorned with a "crown" of roses?

"The 'crown,' a single rose pointing upward in the center of the garland, symbolizes the struggle and heart necessary to reach the Derby Winner's Circle," according to KentuckyDerby.com.

How much does the Garland of Roses weigh?

The Garland of Roses presented to the winner of the Kentucky Derby each year weighs approximately 40 pounds.

When is the Kentucky Derby?

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 2.

How to watch the 152nd Kentucky Derby?

In May of 2024, NBC Sports announced a partnership with Churchill Downs to present the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock through 2032.

The extension includes multi-platform rights to the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Derby and Oaks Day programming, which will be presented on NBC, Peacock, USA Network and additional NBCU platforms.

Reporter Jason Frakes contributed to this report. Reach Courier Journal reporter Maggie Menderski at [email protected].