Woodford Reserve, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, is bringing the spirit of Churchill Downs to New York City with Run for the Roses: Presented by Woodford Reserve, an immersive, one-day public activation taking place Friday, May 1 at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal.

Open to the public from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM via RSVP (attendees must be 21+), the experience transforms one of New York’s most iconic landmarks into a vibrant celebration of Derby season—offering guests a photo-perfect moment steeped in rich Southern tradition, right in the heart of Manhattan. 

At the center of the experience is a striking, life-size sculpture of Flying Ebony, the 1925 Kentucky Derby winner whose victory marked the first Derby ever broadcast on radio—bringing the race into homes nationwide and cementing its place in American culture. The installation serves as both a visual centerpiece and a tribute to the enduring legacy of the sport.

Guests will step into an immersive environment inspired by the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby, complete with:

• GIVE AWAY 4,000+ single stem red roses 

• ONE complimentary cocktail tasting, including:

  • Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep - the traditional Derby Day cocktail and a Southern tradition, crafted with Woodford Reserve, simple syrup, mint, and crushed ice

  • Woodford Reserve Spire - featuring Woodford Reserve, lemonade, and cranberry

    • Also available in a non-alcoholic version

  • Herradura Horseshoe Margarita - made with Herradura Reposado, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar

• Immersive photo moments, blending New York energy with classic Southern elegance

• Live experiential elements designed to capture the excitement of race day

• The Vendor Stable, a shoppable marketplace featuring curated local makers and Derby-inspired goods, including:

  • Fine & Dandy — New York’s go-to for dapper, Derby-ready accessories, from handcrafted ties and pocket squares to standout finishing touches

  • Love & Victory — A Brooklyn-based design studio known for playful, thoughtfully crafted goods and cocktail-inspired accessories perfect for gifting (or keeping)

  • Box Bar — A hands-on charm bar experience where guests can create personalized jewelry and keepsakes on the spot

  • Hats by Mo — Custom, statement-making hats designed to complete your Derby look with flair and individuality

RSVPs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with timed, one-hour entry windows. Guests can reserve their spot below.