FRANKFORT, Ky.  – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined Louisville artist Richard Sullivan during the Team Kentucky Update for the official unveiling of the 2023 Governor’s Derby Celebration poster.

“The Kentucky Derby represents sport, business, culture and heritage, but it’s also art,” Gov. Beshear said. “Through the ages, artists have been inspired by the Derby. The piece that Richard Sullivan has created for the Derby Celebration poster this year captures the power, joy and celebration of experiencing the race firsthand. I want to thank Richard for his work to capture the energy and excitement of the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

To celebrate the 149th Kentucky Derby, Richard Sullivan designed this year’s poster to portray the commonwealth’s long-standing history of horseracing. Sullivan’s inspiration for the poster came from the energy the horses create while competing. Sullivan’s vibrant artwork captures the hopeful, bright feeling of springtime in Kentucky.

“I am so honored to have been asked to create the 2023 Governors Derby Celebration poster,” said Richard Sullivan. “As an artist and former athlete, I love capturing the raw athleticism, power and movement of the horses as they gallop down the track.”

The Kentucky Derby is the longest-running sporting event in U.S. history and an integral part of Kentucky’s horse racing history. Since 1875, the commonwealth has produced “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

“Artists have captured horse racing in Kentucky since the dawn of the industry,” said Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “Richard Sullivan’s work captures the energy, the excitement and the vitality of the horses racing down the stretch at the Kentucky Derby. This image is a magnificent addition to the Governor’s Derby Celebration poster legacy.”

The 149th Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 6, at Churchill Downs in Louisville.