LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Let's hear it for the Belle of Louisville. The Belle made it to the winner's circle or should we say winner's dock, after winning the Great Steamboat Race Presented by Kroger.

What You Need To Know

  • The 59th annual Great Steamboat race took off Wednesday, April 28

  • The Belle of Louisville, Belle of Cincinnati and the American Duchess competed

  • The 14-mile course starts and finishes at the Clark Memorial Bridge

  • This was the Belle's 29th win

 

The 59th annual race featured the Belle taking on her up-river rival the Belle of Cincinnati and her southern rival, the American Duchess. 

Mayor Greg Fischer presents the 12-point antlers to the Belle of Louisville for winning the Great Steamboat Race (Kentucky Derby Festival)

“It wouldn’t be Derby Week without seeing steamboats racing on the river,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “We’ve enjoyed being able to bring back some of our favorite Kentucky traditions this year for the community. Congratulations to the Belle of Louisville! We’re always rooting for our hometown favorite.” 

As is customary, the Belle of Louisville was presented with the coveted silver antlers emblematic of river supremacy. The Belle also won the race in 2019 and has won the race a total of 29 times since the river rivalry began in 1963. 

The 14-mile race featured three boats on the Ohio River course that started and finished at the Clark Memorial Bridge. This was the second time the American Duchess participated in the race. She competed and won in 2018.