$1 million upgrade to Kentucky Derby Museum's 'Riders Up' exhibit underway

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A $1 million construction project is underway at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Crews are upgrading the "Riders Up!" exhibit to add new tech that will make it even more immersive, according to a news release.

The Museum originally built the Riders Up! exhibit in 2000 as a way to immerse visitors in the Derby and race day experience from the viewpoint of a jockey and Thoroughbred race horse.

It was last updated in 2010, during a previous museum expansion project. Fourteen years later, the exhibit will be enhanced with virtual and augmented reality, and "the new version promises to captivate visitors with state-of-the-art technology that brings the thrill of horse racing into the 21st century," according to the release. 

"This exhibit has been a fan favorite for guests of all ages ever since the original debuted in 2000," said Chris Goodlett, Kentucky Derby Museum Senior Director of Curatorial and Educational Affairs. 

Goodlett said the exhibit will still allow visitors to experience the Derby from the viewpoint of a jockey and horse, but now you can choose which decade. 

"It's an engaging experience that further emerges you into horse racing and what it's like to be here on Derby Day, and also it gives you introspection into the athleticism of the jockey and the horse and what's required to be a successful jockey," he said. 

Here's a list of some of the new features visitors can expect: 

Five Horse Frenzy: With such high demand on the exhibit, the new field will expand to five horses, one of which will be wheelchair accessible. The previous version had three horses.

Breathtaking Tech: The new game delivers a virtual reality experience with five screens showing individual jockey viewpoints and one massive screen providing a full track view. The game will also include an optional tournament mode.

Personalize Your Derby: For the first time, players will be able to choose their horse and jockey avatar. The new selection process highlights the Museum's commitment to diversity and inclusion with the intentional design of the avatars.

Time-Travel Track: Experience Derby through the decades. Visitors will race in different eras circa 1875, 1915, 1945, 1986, or the current day, all while navigating unpredictable weather conditions for a wild, thrilling ride. The eras and weather will be randomized, providing an educational journey through the history of the Kentucky Derby.

"We're not just upgrading a game; we're revolutionizing the way you experience the magic of the Derby," said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO.

There is also a new "See and Be Seen" exhibit dedicated to 150 years of Derby fashion and a showcase of Derby underdogs called "Longshots." 

The exhibit, located on the first floor of the Museum, will reopen to the public on April 12, 2024, just in time for Derby 150. Riders Up! will continue to be included in the price of general admission.

Churchill Downs is in the homestretch of finishing its own two year $200 million renovation, which includes a new paddock. 

"We're looking forward to the project being complete. Getting back to normal. Opening up. I can't wait to showcase this because it's going to be absolutely spectacular. Its the most transformational project I think we've done at Churchill Downs," said track spokesman Darren Rogers. 

The 150th Kentucky Derby happens on Saturday, May 4, 2024.