The Kentucky Derby and flowers, especially roses, have had a long and close association. The first floral award to the Derby winner occurred in 1896, when Ben Brush won by a nose. He was presented with a "collar" of white and pink roses. The jockey, Willie Simms, also received a bouquet of the same roses (tied with a magenta ribbon no less). In 1904, the red rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby, though it wasn't until 1932 that the rose garland took on its current form. In 1906 we have the earliest known photo showing the floral garland and bouquet (see below). Bill Corum in 1926 coined the phrase, "Run for the Roses." In 2009 the phrase became a registered trademark.
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| Ben Brush preparing for the Derby. (public domain) |
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Sir Huron, 1906 winner, and his jockey showing the early
style of the floral award. (public domain)
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1932: Burgoo King, the first to wear the current style garland.
(c) Associated Press
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