The trophy awarded to the winner of the Kentucky Derby is not solid gold. The Kentucky Derby trophy, also known as the Kentucky Derby Gold Cup, is made of sterling silver coated with 24-karat gold. It stands about 22 inches tall and features a horseshoe-shaped wreath of roses, reflecting the iconic “Run for the Roses” nickname associated with the race.
The use of sterling silver with gold plating is a common practice for many prestigious sports trophies due to the cost of solid gold. While the gold coating adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the trophy, the underlying structure is primarily made of sterling silver, which is an alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. This combination provides both durability and a beautiful finish.
