54 artist-designed jockey forms displayed at Gatton Park, blending Kentucky art and horse racing

Gatton Park is featuring an exhibit that brings Kentucky art and horse racing together through 54 artist-designed jockey forms displayed for public viewing. The project is drawing attention for its colorful designs and the intricate details artists added to the jockey figures, which are meant to reflect both the look of the sport and the broader creativity surrounding it.

The exhibit, highlighted in a report by LEX18 on Oct. 20, positions the jockey forms as part of a wider celebration of Kentucky’s equine community and its connection to the arts. Rather than a single sculpture or gallery work, the installation uses multiple pieces to create a walkable display that visitors can see in person as they move through the park.

Organizers say the scale of the display is one reason it has become a talking point at Gatton Park. With 54 separate jockey forms on view, the collection gives artists room to interpret the sport in different ways, while still tying each work back to a common subject. The resulting assortment is visible from multiple angles, emphasizing both the individuality of each design and the unifying theme of Kentucky racing culture.

The report describes the designs as turning heads, with artists using bold colors and fine details on the figures. The jockey forms function as a bridge between two communities that often share overlapping audiences, including people interested in horses, fashion and performance, and those who follow Kentucky’s arts scene.

While the exhibit’s focus is cultural, it also represents a public-facing use of space at a Kentucky venue, with a format that encourages families and community members to spend time together outdoors. In that setting, the jockey forms are presented as a visual event that can be viewed without tickets tied specifically to racing days, potentially broadening exposure for the art itself and for the equine traditions it references.

The exhibit’s timing and visibility at Gatton Park mean it is positioned to reach visitors during the fall season, when public events and attractions often draw steady foot traffic. The exhibit also underscores the continued role horse racing and related industries play in Kentucky identity, even when the immediate setting is not a track or stable, but a park.

Gatton Park’s installation of artist-designed jockey forms is expected to remain on display for visitors to view in person, with the number and variety of pieces serving as the main draw. As the exhibit continues, organizers will be watching public interest and engagement, particularly how the display brings together residents who may be familiar with racing, as well as those who come primarily for art.