LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Three contenders will race down the Ohio River Wednesday evening as part of this year's Great Steamboat Race Presented by Kroger. The hometown Belle of Louisville, up-river rival the Belle of Cincinnati and the American Duchess from Memphis will all race against each other beginning at 6 p.m. 

The 14-mile course on the Ohio starts and finishes at Clark Memorial Bridge, with the winner determined by who crosses the finish line first.

Judges will be aboard the boats and the majority decision by the judges will be final. The lucky winner will receive the set of 12-point Silver Antlers at the post-race ceremony. The Awards Ceremony will take place immediately following the race at the 4th Street Wharf.

In 2019, which was the last race, the Belle of Louisville came out victorious. The steamboat has won 28 times since the river rivalry began in 1963. After competing in 2018, this is American Duchess' second time in the race.

The boats will be operating at limited capacity while following COVID-19 safety protocols, the Kentucky Derby Festival said. as of Wednesday, tickets were still available but in limited supply. For Belle of Cincinnati tickets call 1-800-261-8586, and for tickets aboard the Chaser Boat, the Mary M. Miller, call (502) 574-2992. More information can be found online.

Boarding will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with all boats departing the shore at 5:45 p.m.