December 5, 2025

Hall of Fame Jockey Pat Day to Be Honored at Derby in December

Louisville, December 5, 2025

The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville is set to honor Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day with its Lifetime Achievement Award during the Derby in December event. Scheduled for December 11, 2025, the event will feature a presentation, a new exhibit celebrating Day’s racing career, and opportunities for community engagement. The museum’s initiative reflects Louisville’s commitment to supporting local contributions in horse racing. Admission to the event is free, inviting all to participate in the celebration of a racing legend.

Louisville, Kentucky

Hall of Fame Jockey Pat Day to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Derby in December Event

The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, is poised to celebrate the remarkable career of Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day during the highly anticipated annual Derby in December event on Thursday, December 11, 2025. In an initiative that showcases the city’s commendable engagement in acknowledging local contributions to the sport, the museum will present Day with its second Lifetime Achievement Award. This event will also unveil a new temporary exhibit that honors his exceptional achievements in thoroughbred racing.

The Derby in December event is more than just a celebration; it reflects Louisville’s commitment to preserving its rich horse racing heritage while also fostering community spirit. This celebration is a testament to how local organizations can come together to honor individual excellence without the entanglement of excessive bureaucracy, highlighting the potential for civic innovation in our neighborhoods.

Event Details

Date and Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville, Kentucky
Highlights:
- Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award to Pat Day
- Unveiling of temporary exhibit honoring Pat Day’s career
- Meet-and-greet with Pat Day
- Exclusive prize package drawings featuring Derby-themed experiences

About Pat Day

Pat Day, born on October 13, 1953, in Brush, Colorado, is recognized as one of the most successful jockeys in American thoroughbred racing history. His impressive career boasts 8,803 wins, ranking him fourth all-time among jockeys. Notable victories in his extensive resume include:

Kentucky Derby: Winner in 1992 aboard Lil E. Tee
Preakness Stakes: Five-time winner (1985, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1996)
Belmont Stakes: Three-time winner (1989, 1994, 2000)
Breeders’ Cup Wins: Twelve, including top races like the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff

In recognition of his significant impact on the sport, Day was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1991. Additionally, his legacy has been further honored by Churchill Downs, which renamed the Derby Trial to the Pat Day Mile in 2015.

About the Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and culture of the Kentucky Derby. With over 20,000 artifacts and immersive exhibits, the museum offers visitors a firsthand experience of Derby traditions and the sport of horse racing, underscoring the importance of community spaces in celebrating local accomplishments.

Additional Information

Admission to the Derby in December event is free, making it an accessible opportunity for community members to engage with both local history and contemporary contributions to the racing world. Guests are encouraged to dress in their Derby best. For additional details, including insights into exclusive prize packages and event highlights, interested readers are invited to explore the Kentucky Derby Museum’s official website.

Conclusion

The upcoming Derby in December event stands as a joyful occasion for Louisville, reminding us of the power of local commitment to honoring exceptional individuals like Pat Day. As we look forward to celebrating this day, it’s a call for the community to continue supporting local events and fostering a spirit of engagement that uplifts our shared traditions. Together, we can ensure that Louisville remains a vibrant hub for civic participation and community pride.

FAQ

What is the Derby in December event?: The Derby in December event is an annual celebration hosted by the Kentucky Derby Museum, featuring festive activities, special unveilings, and community engagement. This year, it will honor Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award and the unveiling of a new exhibit dedicated to his career.
When and where is the event taking place?: The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky.
Is there an admission fee for the event?: Admission to the Derby in December event is free.
What are some of Pat Day’s notable achievements?: Pat Day secured 8,803 career wins, including victories in the Kentucky Derby (1992), Preakness Stakes (five times), and Belmont Stakes (three times). He also won 12 Breeders’ Cup races and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1991.
What is the Kentucky Derby Museum?: The Kentucky Derby Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, culture, and impact of the Kentucky Derby. It features over 20,000 artifacts and immersive exhibits, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of Derby traditions and the sport of horse racing.

Feature	Details
Event Name	Derby in December
Date and Time	Thursday, December 11, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location	Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville, Kentucky
Admission Fee	Free
Highlights	Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award to Pat Day Unveiling of temporary exhibit honoring Pat Day’s career Meet-and-greet with Pat Day Exclusive prize package drawings featuring Derby-themed experiences
Pat Day’s Achievements	8,803 career wins Kentucky Derby winner (1992) Preakness Stakes winner (five times) Belmont Stakes winner (three times) 12 Breeders’ Cup wins Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (1991)
About the Kentucky Derby Museum	Dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, culture, and impact of the Kentucky Derby Features over 20,000 artifacts and immersive exhibits Offers visitors a comprehensive experience of Derby traditions and the sport of horse racing