Show summary Hide summary
Andrew Walker and Odette Annable bring Derby Day magic alive tonight in Kentucky Roses, Hallmark’s enchanting new romance filmed on location at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville. The film premieres at 8 PM ET on May 2, 2026, coinciding with the 152nd Kentucky Derby. Mixed with romance, family conflict, and multi-generational love stories, this film promises to be your perfect Derby viewing companion.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Premiere Time: Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT on Hallmark Channel
- Stars: Andrew Walker as architect Ash and Odette Annable in her Hallmark Channel debut as florist Sadie
- Filming Location: Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky with cast and crew spending a month on set
- Stream Next Day: Available on Hallmark+ starting May 3, 2026
A Greenery Love Story Blooms at Churchill Downs
Odette Annable plays Sadie Moore, a florist with deep roots at Churchill Downs. Her family runs the greenhouse that maintains the iconic flowers gracing the Winner’s Circle and throughout the grounds. Andrew Walker stars as Ash Taylor, an architect and son of Churchill Downs CEO Frank Reed (played by veteran character actor Gregg Henry). When a massive storm damages one of the track’s famous spires just before the Derby, Ash reluctantly returns home to help his father.
According to Southern Living, Walker found the filming experience to be a ‘pinch me’ moment. The Canadian-born performer spent weeks learning to pronounce Louisville correctly and gaining appreciation for the Churchill Downs community, which operates like its own small town complete with schools, grocery stores, and sports teams.
Kentucky Roses cast: Andrew Walker, Odette Annable star in Hallmark’s Kentucky Derby film in Louisville
Margot Robbie stars in Wuthering Heights, arriving Feb 13 with Jacob Elordi
Two Timelines, One Epic Romance
Director Clare Niederpruem weaves together more than just Ash and Sadie’s modern love story. Kentucky Roses unfolds across two eras, blending present-day events with 1932 flashbacks featuring characters Lefty and Gloria Green (played by Peyton Meyer and Ally Ledford). The film explores how differing versions of their legendary forbidden love story echo down through generations to influence our main couple.
What makes this romance special is its elevated, sophisticated tone. Walker describes it as ‘a grown-up version of a Hallmark movie’ with authentic Derby traditions woven throughout. The story centers on saving the Garland of Roses tradition, the iconic wreath placed on the Kentucky Derby winner’s neck.
Meet the Complete Cast and Characters
| Character | Actor | Background |
| Ash Taylor | Andrew Walker | Architect, Churchill Downs CEO’s son |
| Sadie Moore | Odette Annable | Florist, greenhouse worker (Hallmark debut) |
| Frank Reed | Gregg Henry | Churchill Downs CEO, Ash’s father |
| Lillie Taylor Reed | Brynn Thayer | Frank’s wife, peacemaker between father and son |
Supporting cast includes Katherine Morgan as Delilah, Louisville’s elite florist who becomes Sadie’s mentor, and Annie Fitzpatrick as Sadie’s mother Anna. Abigail Esmena brings charm as Sadie’s best friend Camila, who’s also preparing her horse for Derby competition.
“Roses aren’t the only thing blooming this Derby Day.”
— Official Hallmark Channel promotional tagline
Why Andrew Walker Called This His Most Special Derby Project Yet
Walker has built a reputation as one of Hallmark’s most prolific male leads, appearing in films like She’s Making a List (2025) with Lacey Chabert. But Kentucky Roses holds special significance. Growing up in Canada, Walker watched the Kentucky Derby religiously with his father as an annual tradition. During filming, he would FaceTime his dad every morning, showing him the empty track at dawn, horses warming up, and the dew glistening on the grass.
Annable, making her Hallmark debut, told Decider that working with Walker proved invaluable. “He knows all the ins and outs. He knows the whole deal,” she explained. “So I felt very safe. I had a great safety net and I just had a really wonderful experience.” Walker praised her in return, noting that her name has ‘been circulating in the Hallmark world for years’ before finally landing this role.
Will Kentucky Roses Win Your Heart This Derby Day?
With its authentic Churchill Downs setting, multi-generational love story, and A-list Hallmark talent, Kentucky Roses appears poised to become a fan favorite. The film balances romantic tension between leads with meaningful family drama, historical depth via flashbacks, and genuine Kentucky Derby passion. Whether you’re a devoted Hallmark fan, Derby enthusiast, or romance lover seeking elevated storytelling, tonight’s premiere offers something special.
Best of all? You don’t have to wait long to catch it again. The film streams next day on Hallmark+ for subscribers who miss the broadcast premiere. Hallmark is clearly betting big that Kentucky Roses will become as iconic as the traditions it celebrates.
Watch the Sneak Peek:
Sources
- Hallmark Channel Official – Kentucky Roses official movie page and premiere details
- Southern Living – Andrew Walker interview on filming at Churchill Downs and Derby traditions
- Decider – Cast guide covering all actors and character descriptions for Kentucky Roses
