The makers of the Kentucky Derby trophy are often asked about the toughest part of the process, be it the “spinning” technique that shapes the gold vase or the precision taken in designing the horse and jockey that sit atop it.
“Easily,” said Susanne Blackinton-Juaire, a fifth-generation silversmith, “it’s having to pack it up and give it away,”
Blackinton-Juaire and her husband, Bill, spent months crafting the Derby 142 trophies as well as three smaller, sterling silver replicas given to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Each arrived Wednesday to Churchill Downs 24 days out from the first Saturday in May.
