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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
A Floral Tradition for the Breeders’ Cup
Each year, as horses prepare to compete in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in Lexington, another competition of artistry and skill unfolds behind the scenes in Woodford County. Kroger’s master florists are responsible for creating the coveted floral blankets draped over winning horses—a tradition they have upheld since 1988.
Behind the Scenes: The Florist Team and Their Craft
This year, the public is being offered a unique window into the elaborate process. Angie Harp, who leads the operation, heads a team of 16 master florists drawn from Kentucky and Indiana. The team is dedicated, working long hours to ensure the flower arrangements live up to championship standards.
“We have a high degree of excellence here,” Harp shares. Each florist brings their own experience and flair, making every blanket a one-of-a-kind creation for the Breeders’ Cup winners.
The Making of the Floral Blankets
The process is intensive and time-consuming. Guests can observe the team as they spend about 10 hours assembling the garlands. Across the project, they use between 20,000 and 30,000 individual flowers to complete the floral blankets for all 14 championship races. Each blanket is custom made, reflecting both traditional floral design and meticulous planning.
“Our master florists will be here all day,” says Harp. Preparation includes selecting, sorting, and arranging thousands of blooms to create the signature look that fans and winners have come to recognize as part of the Breeders’ Cup celebration.
Flower Sourcing and Weather Challenges
Behind every championship garland lies a complex web of flower sourcing. The orchids used for the garlands are shipped in from Illinois, and other blooms are sourced through carefully coordinated partnerships with regional farms. However, weather always remains a variable that can impact the supply chain.
“Every year, it’s a dance of weather with all of our partnering farms to make sure we have product for the event,” explains Harp. Extensive preparation, adaptability, and even a little luck are essential to bringing the vision to life for each Breeders’ Cup event.
Showcasing Skill and Tradition
For those involved, creating these floral blankets means more than just assembling flowers—it’s a rare opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship on an international stage. The work of Kroger’s florist team is admired by fans and spectators from around the world. “Each one of my florists that is tied to each one of the garlands, it’s what makes it special,” says Harp.
Nearing Four Decades of Floral Excellence
Nearly forty years after Kroger’s first Breeders’ Cup floral blankets, the intricate garlands remain a necessary part of the race’s tradition. The project continues to highlight the talents of regional artisans and maintain a sense of continuity for one of global horse racing’s most anticipated events.
Source: wtvq.com.
