What is the Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby?
We love highlighting our customers. From showing off their custom swag, sharing their big announcements, and supporting them on Instagram… we can’t get enough! But when something as monumental as the Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby rolls around, we may even dedicate a whole week to help spread the word.
You’re probably asking yourself, “What in the world is the Kentucky Turtle Derby?” Don’t worry, we asked ourselves the same question at first… But when we found out the story behind the Derby party of all Derby parties that our friends over at Old Forester started throwing, we felt like we had to share it with everyone!
Of course, as your Custom Apparel Experts, we also helped them design a really cool piece of custom apparel to help mark the occasion, but more about that later. For now, keep reading for more information on the history behind the Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby, your best bets in this year’s race, and where to find the exclusive Kentucky Turtle Derby swag. Crooked Monkey has you covered on how to prepare yourself for the slowest few minutes in sports – The Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby!
What is The Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby?
In 1945, the Kentucky Derby was postponed from the first Saturday in May, to Saturday June 9th because horse racing had been banned by the federal government from January through May as World War II was coming to an end.
You may be able to take a few things from a Kentuckian without a fight, but bourbon and horse racing aren’t one of them. So when the 1945 Kentucky Derby was canceled, locals were on the hunt for an alternative, and the original Kentucky Turtle Derby was born.
Held at the Jefferson County Armory, approximately 6,500 spectators watched as eight 20 foot turtle races were run. The crowd put up $11,483 in bets, while all the money raised from tickets, programs, entries, and sponsorships went to the Kentucky Society for Crippled Children. Though it wasn’t the usual Saturday in May at Churchill, the spirit of the Kentucky Derby was alive… just moving slowly!
The Races continued into the 50’s, but eventually slowed. That is until 2020… when the world came to a stand still. With the pandemic pausing life and sports as we knew it, Old Forester found light in their rich Kentucky history and thus the Kentucky Turtle Derby was reborn.
The 2020 Race
While 2020 took a lot from us all, there was nothing Kentuckians missed more than the annual Kentucky Derby festival.
While some tried to find that first Saturday in May feeling in the “Virtual Kentucky Derby” race… Old Forester went back deep into Kentucky’s Roots to pull out a forgotten tradition that once helped Kentuckians through the same loss over 60 year back!
Though it didn’t take away the pain quite like a fresh Mint Julip from Churchill Downs, the 2020 Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby was a wire to wire finish between What The Turtleneck and Galapa-GO. The “slowest race in sports” quickly brought back that pre-pandemic taste of competition we had all been missing, and was a big enough hit to carry into the 2021 Derby Season!
For a look at last years race and a better idea for what to expect this Saturday, check out the footage below from the 2020 Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby.
This Year's Race - Who’s Running?
Lane One– Pardon My Mulch
Lane Two– Lady Greenery
Lane Three– Reginald Boxworth
Lane Four– Now You See Me
Lane Five- Lost in The Fog
Lane Six– Moe Lasses
Lane Seven– Sergeant Lopez
Lane Eight– Steve
The Slowjito - The Official Drink of the Kentucky Turtle Derby
While the Kentucky Derby has the Mint Julep and Oaks Day has the Lilly, the Kentucky Turtle Derby had to have a drink of it’s own too. That’s why the experienced mixologists over at Old Forester came up with their take on a mojito… Calling it the Kentucky Turtle Derby SLOWJITO! Try out the recipe below and tag us and Old Forester in pictures. We’d love to hear how you like it!
How to Make the Slowjito
- 1.5 oz Old Forester 86 Proof
- 0.5 oz of Lime Juice -or-1/2 Lime
- 0.5 oz of Simple Syrup
- 6 Mint Leaves
- Club Soda to Top (About 2 oz)
Keep and eye out for the next Crooked Monkey Instagram Reel & Tik-Tok for step by step on how to make the Old Forester Slowjito.
Official Turtle Derby Swag
As your Custom Apparel Experts, you know we had to fit in some swag discussion somewhere in this blog. Plus, we created quite possibly one of the coolest branded turtle neck sweaters to help Old Forester commemorate the 2021 Kentucky Turtle Derby. Although these sweaters are super exclusive to the Old Forester team, we have photos, and cant wait to show them off!
Although these awesome turtlenecks aren’t available for purchase, we also helped them create the official 2021 Kentucky Turtle Derby merch items. You can see photos of the t-shirt and hats we designed below. For more of the available swag options, hit the button below to take you directly to the Old Forester online merch store!
Do You Need Help Designing the Apparel for your Next Event?
Look no further. The Custom Apparel Experts at Crooked Monkey have you covered. Ask us about our custom cut capabilities, and lets get started designing your one of a kind swag today!
