Each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the Twin Spires and number of the race’s current renewal on the other. Each garland is also adorned with a “crown” of roses, green fern and ribbon. The “crown,” a single rose pointing upward in the center of the garland, symbolizes the struggle and heart necessary to reach the Derby Winner’s Circle.
Red roses are used to say “I love you,” and are symbolic of unconditional love.
They also stands for courage and respect.
Red roses express deep feelings of love to a very special person and should therefore never be offered on a first date or to a person with whom one is not intimate.