LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The hand-made Kentucky Derby trophy has arrived at Churchill Downs.
The 14-karat gold trophy has been handcrafted by the S.R. Blackinton Company since 1975, each trophy taking five months from start to delivery.
Artisan Susanne Blackinton-Juaire and her husband Bill start with a solid gold disc and mold it into the cup portion and melt down gold pellets to create the horse on top.
She says the hardest part of the entire process is having to turn it over, saying it becomes their baby through the process.
Track spokesman John Asher says the trophy will be on display at the Kentucky Derby Museum leading up to the race and will make several appearances around town.