Williams Sonoma Partners with the Kentucky Derby® to Inspire At-Home Race Day Celebrations

Experience Kentucky Derby Day with Limited Edition Capsule Collection, At-Home Recipes from Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark, Virtual Cooking Event, and More

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, April 6, 2022) – The historic Churchill Downs Racetrack and Woodford Reserve® announced today a partnership with specialty kitchen and home furnishings retailer, Williams Sonoma, to deliver inspiration and curated products designed to help customers and Kentucky Derby fans create the ultimate ‘Kentucky Derby At-Home’ celebration. As the first-ever preferred culinary and entertaining partner of the Kentucky Derby, Williams Sonoma is bringing unique recipes, cocktail mixes, festive accessories, and engaging in-person and virtual experiences to inspire customers and Kentucky Derby fans to transform their homes into a day at the races.

The partnership kicks off with a curated line of Williams Sonoma merchandise and an exclusive co-branded line of Williams Sonoma and Woodford Reserve® cocktail mixes along with recipes and entertaining tips designed to inspire at-home celebrations of the 148^th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve that will take place on Saturday, May 7. Together, Churchill Downs, Woodford Reserve® and Williams Sonoma are bringing to life the authentic charm of the Derby with elegant serving pieces, bar accessories and signature Derby-style cocktail mixes designed to elevate at-home celebrations and viewing parties.

A Triple Crown-Worthy Menu

To inspire foodies across the country, Williams Sonoma is delivering an authentic, flavorful ‘Kentucky Derby At-Home’ menu, crafted by brand ambassador and celebrity chef, Kelsey Barnard Clark. Featuring easy-to-make recipes paired with wine selections from Jackson Family Wines, the menu pays homage to the culinary traditions of the Kentucky Derby. From Okra Hot Fries to Smoked Wings with BBQ Sauce and decadent Pecan Pie, these bite-size selections will make it easier than ever to travel by tastebud to the racetrack. Culinary connoisseurs can also serve up classic cocktails, like the iconic Mint Julep, thanks to Woodford Reserve and Williams Sonoma’s selection of co-branded cocktail mixes.

Entertaining with Kelsey Barnard Clark

To further bring a taste of the Kentucky Derby into homes, Williams Sonoma has teamed up with Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark to host two Derby-themed events – one in-store at the Williams Sonoma Columbus Circle store and one online so fans nationwide can tune in and participate.

In addition to cooking alongside celebrity chef and author of Southern Grit, Kelsey Barnard Clark, attendees will also learn tips and tricks for hosting the ultimate Kentucky Derby day celebration.

The in-store event will take place on April 14 at 6 p.m. ET at the Williams Sonoma Columbus Circle store in New York. Tickets can be purchased online at https://southerngritnycevent.squadup.com.

The virtual Kentucky Derby Cooking Event with Kelsey Barnard Clark, will take place live on April 19 at 5 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased online at https://southerngritvirtualevent.squadup.com.

Tickets for both events are available for $15, with all proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America. Customers can also purchase a copy of Kelsey’s new book, Southern Grit, online at www.williams-sonoma.com/southerngrit.

Run for the Roses™ in 2023

As the final component of the partnership, Williams Sonoma is announcing a nationwide sweepstakes to send a lucky winner on a trip for two to the 149^th Kentucky Derby in 2023. Starting today, Kentucky Derby fans can enter for a chance to win this bucket-list weekend getaway, complete with airfare, hotel accommodations and two tickets to the Kentucky Derby, as well as a private, VIP experience at Woodford Reserve Distillery. Official rules and details are available at www.williams-sonoma.com/kentuckyderbytrip.

“At Churchill Downs, we’re passionate about finding new ways to bring the Kentucky Derby experience to fans across the country,” said Casey C. Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We’re thrilled to partner with Williams Sonoma to help us in this mission of extending the Kentucky Derby tradition beyond our racetrack gates.”

For more information about the collaboration, including the at-home recipes and the registration link for the virtual cooking classes, please visit: www.williams-sonoma.com/kentuckyderby.

 For more ‘Kentucky Derby At-Home’ inspiration, visit www.kentuckyderbyathome.com.

The Williams Sonoma Kentucky Derby At-Home Menu

Crafted by Kelsey Barnard Clark

Twinkle Light Succotash

Wine pairing: Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County

Okra Hot Fries

Wine pairing: La Crema Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County

Green Eggs and Ham Deviled Egg

Wine pairing: La Crema Chardonnay, Monterey

 Supper Club Smoked Wings with White BBQ Sauce

Wine pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, California

 Mama Jo’s Pecan Pie

Wine pairing: La Crema, Pinot Noir, Monterey

 Icebox Cookies

Wine pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir