2026 Derby Festival Royal Court
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Matt Johnson
With Derby Season in full swing, the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Royal Court takes center stage. This year’s shoot was held at historic Locust Grove, a location chosen for its rich history and cultural significance, qualities it shares with The Fillies, Inc., who for decades have supported the Derby Festival through volunteer work, scholarships, and the Royal Court Program.
The princesses were photographed in gorgeous spring fashions from Mamili Boutique, styled by Cleo Heine, with hair by Mariah Sanchez of J Michaels Spa & Salon and makeup by independent artist Matt Goodlett, capturing both their elegance and the timeless character of Locust Grove. We thank the Kentucky Derby Festival, Mamili Boutique and Historic Locust Grove for generously sponsoring the shoot.
Celebrating The Fillies® — Stewards of Tradition and Service
At the heart of the Royal Court tradition is The Fillies, Inc., a dedicated group of civic‑minded women who support the Kentucky Derby Festival through volunteer service, fundraising, and the production of the annual Fillies Derby Ball®, among other signature events. Founded in 1959, The Fillies have long overseen the Royal Court Program, helping select, mentor, and present emerging leaders from across Kentucky and the region. Each princess earns scholarship support through The Fillies and the Festival Foundation, reflecting the organization’s commitment to educational opportunity and community leadership.
The Fillies also host community‑focused events such as The Children’s Tea with the Derby Princesses.
The 2026 Royal Court
This year nearly 100 applicants vied for a place on the Royal Court, representing more than 15 colleges and universities throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region. Following preliminary and final judging, five exceptional young women were selected to serve as Princesses, each an inspiring leader with a focus on academic excellence, civic involvement, and personal growth.
Mallory Brown
- Bardstown, KY
A senior Presidential Scholar at the University of Kentucky majoring in Biology, Mallory is preparing to begin medical school this fall. Her academic rigor is matched by leadership on campus, including service as President of her sorority chapter, where she directed programming for more than 300 members.
Vy Pham
- Louisville, KY
Vy is a senior at the University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Known for her involvement in student leadership and academic excellence, she brings technical curiosity and community passion to her role as Princess.
Sydney Shouse
- Louisville, KY
Sydney is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she majored in Communications with a minor in Military Leadership, and is now advancing her studies toward an MBA. Her path includes distinguished service in Air Force ROTC and selection for elite Euro‑NATO joint training.
Tania Vergara‑Gongora
- Louisville, KY
A junior at Bellarmine University, Tania studies Marketing with media minors, bringing creativity and strategic thinking to her campus and community involvement. Her leadership extends beyond academics into communication‑based outreach and storytelling.
Brianna Williams
- Louisville, KY
Brianna is a PhD candidate in Educational Psychology at the University of Louisville, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Her academic work focuses on measurement and evaluation, underscored by a deep commitment to service and community engagement.
Each year, one of the princesses is crowned Derby Festival Queen by the iconic “spin of the wheel” at the Fillies Derby Ball, a beloved tradition spotlighting leadership, grace, and service that took place in late March.
Support the Tradition
The Royal Court and The Fillies are sustained through community engagement and generous support. To learn more about The Fillies, upcoming events like the Children’s Tea or Derby Ball, or to find ways to give back to this tradition, visit thefillies.org.
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What a stunning shoot — Locust Grove was the perfect backdrop for this year's Royal Court. For photographers and publications covering events like this, one practical note: crowd shots and candid behind-the-scenes footage from the Derby Ball and Children's Tea often capture faces of attendees who haven't formally consented to publication. Running those through a blur face in photo tool before publishing keeps the coverage clean and the subjects protected.