Ford is showcasing over 12 pop-ups and flower walls at the 2026 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The company emphasizes its strong presence in Louisville, where it employs around 13,000 people.
Key points
Ford is showcasing over 12 pop-ups at the Kentucky Derby
The event takes place on May 2, 2026
Ford employs around 13,000 people in Louisville
Kentucky Truck Plant produces Super Duty trucks and more
Louisville is considered Ford's second headquarters
Mentioned in this story
Ford Motor Co.LouisvilleChurchill Downs Racetrack
Kentucky Derby 2026
One of America's most recognized brands, and one of Louisville's top employers, is making a splash at Churchill Downs Racetrack for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, held on Saturday, May 2.
Ford Motor Co., the car manufacturer known for America's best-selling truck, is showing off at the Kentucky Derby with fan experiences sprawling all across the massive horse racing facility.
In Louisville, Ford has roughly 13,000 employees across its Kentucky Truck Plant where the famed Super Duty trucks, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator are made and at Louisville Assembly Plant, which previously produced the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair and will soon be home to Ford's newest EV truck.
"Louisville really feels like our second headquarters," Kelsey Ruder, marketing manager at Ford Motor Co., said of the Michigan-based car maker.
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
Q&A
What will Ford display at the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Ford will showcase over 12 pop-ups and flower walls at the event.
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby scheduled?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2.
How many employees does Ford have in Louisville?
Ford has approximately 13,000 employees in Louisville.
What vehicles are produced at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant?
The Kentucky Truck Plant produces the Super Duty trucks, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator.
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2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado walks by a sign honoring Sovereignty -- which he rode to a win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby -- at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabe outside trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026.
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallabee is walked back his stall at trainer Bill Mott's barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 19, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Incredibolt in his stall at Trainer Riley Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Pin Oak Stud won the Virginia Derby. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bill Mott at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Mott has Chief Wallabee in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott in the stall of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott carries the saddlecloth of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working in his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott on the backside during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott watches training on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee for trainer Bill Mott. Alvarado won the 2025 Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
1 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
2 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
3 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
4 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado walks by a sign honoring Sovereignty -- which he rode to a win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby -- at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
5 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabe outside trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026.
6 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
7 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
8 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
9 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallabee is walked back his stall at trainer Bill Mott's barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 19, 2026
10 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
11 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Incredibolt in his stall at Trainer Riley Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Pin Oak Stud won the Virginia Derby. April 20, 2026
12 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
13 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
14 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bill Mott at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Mott has Chief Wallabee in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. April 20, 2026
15 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Trainer Riley Mott in the stall of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
16 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Trainer Riley Mott carries the saddlecloth of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working in his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
17 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
18 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Trainer Riley Mott on the backside during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
19 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Trainer Riley Mott watches training on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
20 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
21 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee for trainer Bill Mott. Alvarado won the 2025 Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty. April 20, 2026
22 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
23 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
24 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
25 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
So much so that people will see "Ford" nearly everywhere they go at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week. Ford is the official horsepower of the Kentucky Derby and rooftop signage sporting the company's name can be spotted on the backside barns that stable the horses. On the big board at the racetrack, Ford will sponsor the race report and content.
In addition, the company is also sponsoring the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby post-position draw, held from 2-3 p.m. on April 25.
Here's what else Ford Motor Co. is bringing to Churchill Downs for fans during Kentucky Derby Week:
What Ford pop-ups, activations will be at the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The exclusive Ford First Turn Club, which the automaker secured naming rights of in 2025, returns for its second year. The space provides ticketed fans with dining room access, an outdoor overlook seating area and a patio area along the rail of the first turn on the track. Also at the Ford First Turn Club, there will be a Mach-E display.
Ford and Vineyard Vines are teaming up for two vehicle displays on site, including an F-150 display near the first turn and a Bronco display on the backstretch. There will also be an F-150 truck display in the Paddock area.
Ford will have a variety of other vehicles on display throughout the track, including a display paying homage to America's 250th anniversary with F-250s in red, white and blue at the toteboard.
At the red carpet, spectators can find tributes to the Ford Mustang.
In honor of the Kentucky-made Ford Expedition's 30th anniversary, a special anniversary edition SUV will be on display in the Clubhouse.
Ford Motor Co. and Churchill Downs Racetrack have a multi-year partnership deal. One aspect of this partnership is Ford's display featuring a flower wall, F-150 Lighting and a phone charging station, in the Paddock Plaza during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.
Ford Motor Co. and Churchill Downs Racetrack have a multi-year partnership deal. One aspect of this partnership is Ford's display featuring a flower wall, F-150 Lighting and a phone charging station, in the Paddock Plaza during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.
The automaker has become known at the Kentucky Derby for its iconic floral wall displays that generate prime social media moments for fans. These displays will return for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
New this year, Ford will have an "American Horsepower" display in the Paddock Plaza that boasts a 1901 “Sweepstakes” Race Car, the first race car from Henry Ford and one that actually raced on a horse racing track, and a Bronco Raptor 4600, which is Ford Racing's stock‑class Ultra4 race vehicle.
Ford will have an infield activation for the first time bringing fans an Explorer and Bronco Sport display as well as a photo opportunity.
Ford will also have vehicle specialist on site at the Kentucky Derby and other days during the Kentucky Derby Week to help curious fans learn more about the vehicles.
Contact Business Reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@usatodayco.com or on X at @oliviamevans_.
