Hallmark’s Kentucky Roses Brings Derby Romance to Churchill Downs

When Hollywood collides with horse racing royalty, something electric is bound to happen. That’s exactly the vibe Hallmark Media captured when they quietly transformed one of America’s most iconic sports venues into the backdrop for a sweeping romance.

Churchill Downs—legendary home of the Kentucky Derby—steps into the cinematic spotlight with a movie that blends history, legacy, love, and, of course, roses. It’s a Derby-themed romance aimed to charm longtime Hallmark fans and anyone who’s ever felt the Derby Day magic.

Churchill Downs Becomes a Hallmark Movie Star

For generations, Churchill Downs has meant tradition, pageantry, and Southern grandeur. The twin spires are instantly recognizable—even to folks who’ve never placed a bet or attended the Derby.

That sense of history makes the location a powerful setting for a romantic film. Hallmark Media leaned right into that prestige and didn’t hold back.

Last year, cameras rolled at the famous Louisville track as Hallmark filmed Kentucky Roses. While the Derby itself is usually the center of attention, this time the spotlight shifted to the people, stories, and hidden corners of Churchill Downs that most never see.

A Rare Filming Opportunity at an American Landmark

Major film productions at Churchill Downs almost never happen. Before this project, the last big movie shot there was Secretariat back in 2010.

That makes Hallmark’s return to the venue feel special—maybe even overdue. There’s a renewed interest in using real, storied locations to elevate made-for-TV movies, and it shows.

Filming on location gives the production a kind of authenticity you just can’t fake on a soundstage. From sweeping racetrack views to tucked-away spots like the greenhouse, Kentucky Roses lets Churchill Downs become part of the story itself.

A Love Story Told Across Two Timelines

What gives Kentucky Roses its edge over the usual romantic fare is its dual-timeline structure. The story unfolds in both the present day and all the way back in 1932.

This lets the film explore how love, ambition, and family legacy echo across generations. It’s a familiar Hallmark formula, sure, but with a richer sense of place and time.

Meet the Present-Day Heroine

In the present, we meet Sadie Moore, played by Odette Annable. She works in the Churchill Downs greenhouse, surrounded by the roses that have become Derby icons.

Sadie’s dream is simple but powerful: she wants to be a florist and someday help create the famous garland of roses for Derby winners. It’s a goal that’s deeply personal for her.

Her great-grandmother, Gloria, once shared the same dream. That connection transforms Sadie’s goal from a mere career ambition into a tribute to her family’s history.

A Chance Encounter Under the Twin Spires

As Derby Day closes in, fate steps in with Ash Taylor, played by Andrew Walker. Ash is the son of the Churchill Downs CEO, arriving to oversee emergency repairs to the twin spires after a storm.

Despite his privileged background, Ash is wrestling with his own sense of purpose. Like Sadie, he feels the weight of legacy, and that creates an instant emotional parallel between them.

Romance, Legacy, and a Complicated Past

The chemistry between Sadie and Ash is hard to miss, but their romance isn’t exactly simple. Both are navigating family expectations, and those pressures threaten to overshadow what they really want.

As their relationship deepens, a long-hidden connection between their families surfaces—one rooted in the 1932 timeline. Suddenly, there’s more at stake, and the past starts to feel uncomfortably close.

The 1932 Love Story That Changes Everything

In the historical timeline, we meet Gloria, Sadie’s great-grandmother, played by Ally Ledford. Her story plays out during a very different era at Churchill Downs, shaped by the challenges and social norms of the early 20th century.

This past romance is bittersweet, full of dreams that never fully came true. Its consequences ripple forward, influencing the choices Sadie and Ash face decades later.

A Cast Made for Hallmark Fans

Odette Annable and Andrew Walker may not be household names everywhere, but within the Hallmark universe, they’re favorites. Their presence brings a sense of comfort and instant credibility, especially for loyal viewers who tune in for that signature Hallmark style.

Supporting performances—like Gregg Henry as Ash’s CEO father—round out the cast with characters who embody authority, tradition, and the pressures of maintaining a legacy as iconic as Churchill Downs.

Why Casting Matters in Hallmark Storytelling

Hallmark audiences get attached to their actors, following them from one seasonal romance to the next. Casting familiar faces helps viewers settle in and focus on the story, instead of adjusting to someone new.

In Kentucky Roses, the cast acts as a bridge between Hallmark’s comforting formula and the grandeur of a world-famous location.

Premiere Plans and Derby Day Synergy

In a perfectly timed release, Kentucky Roses is set to premiere on Kentucky Derby Day—Saturday, May 2—on the Hallmark Channel. The timing is strategic, tapping right into the nationwide Derby excitement and letting it spill over into living rooms everywhere.

The film will also be available the next day on Hallmark+, so if you miss the live premiere, you can still dive into the story.

A Jewelry Line Inspired by the Film

Taking things a step further, Churchill Downs and Hallmark have teamed up on a jewelry line inspired by the movie. These pieces will be sold at Hallmark stores, giving fans a tangible reminder of the romance.

• Derby-inspired designs reflecting roses and tradition
• Exclusive availability tied to the film’s release
• A blend of fashion and storytelling aimed at Hallmark’s core audience

Why Kentucky Roses Matters Beyond Romance

At its core, Kentucky Roses is more than just a love story. It’s a celebration of heritage and ambition, and it shines a light on the quiet folks who keep iconic traditions alive behind the scenes.

Instead of focusing on a jockey or an owner, the film follows a greenhouse worker. That choice gives us a fresh angle on Derby culture, which honestly feels overdue.

For Churchill Downs, the movie works as a kind of love letter to its own history. It reinforces the track’s place in both sports and American storytelling, which is no small feat.

For Hallmark, it’s a clever mix of romance, branding, and the prestige that comes from filming in such a legendary spot.