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The Hallmark Channel is inviting audiences to experience the excitement of Churchill Downs this Derby Day!
Their latest romantic film, Kentucky Roses, created in partnership with the iconic Kentucky Derby, tells the story of the Churchill Downs CEO’s son, portrayed by Andrew Walker, and a dedicated greenhouse worker, played by Odette Annable. Together, they embark on a mission “to save the Kentucky Derby rose blanket,” which leads them to discover a “multi-generational love story” along the way.
Making her debut on the Hallmark Channel, Annable expressed to DECIDER her delight in the collaboration, especially enjoying her time working alongside Hallmark favorite Walker during tonight’s premiere.
“Having Andrew Walker as my co-star was a treat. He’s incredibly experienced and knows exactly how everything works,” she shared. “His expertise made me feel secure, providing a fantastic safety net, and overall, it was an amazing experience.”
Walker, speaking to DECIDER, returned the compliment, asserting that Annable “doesn’t need any advice,” and lauding her as “fantastic” and “amazing.”
“I know that her name has been circulating in the Hallmark world for a long time. For years,” he shared. And this, we were just fortunate to have her on this one. It could have been one that I wasn’t on, but I’m so happy that she became my my costar on this one.”
Wondering who else stars in this Kentucky Derby romance? Give our Kentucky Roses cast guide a read below. Happy Derby Day to all who celebrate!
Warning: Light spoilers for Kentucky Roses, premiering tonight on Hallmark Channel at 8/7 c, with next-day streaming on Hallmark+.
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Photo: Hallmark Media Sadie (played by Odette Annable) is an aspiring florist, whose roots (ha, get it!) in the industry stem back (oh, I can keep going!) to her family’s greenhouse. She returns home and pursues an internship with popular Louisville florist Delilah (Katherine Morgan), which she considers to be an important stepping stone for her as she finds herself after a difficult past relationship.
Kentucky Roses marks Annable’s first Hallmark Channel movie. However, her TV credits include House, Pure Genius, Supergirl, and Walker.
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Photo: Hallmark Media Ashley “Ash” Taylor (Andrew Walker) is an architect and the son of Churchill Downs CEO Frank Reed (played by Gregg Henry), though he often wishes otherwise. When tasked with the high-profile job of fixing a spire at Churchill Downs just ahead of the Kentucky Derby, Ash is hesitant, but eager to prove himself to his father.
Walker has led a slew of Hallmark Channel movies, with his latest before Kentucky Roses being 2025’s She’s Making a List alongside Lacey Chabert. He also made a cameo in last year’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.
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Photo: Hallmark Media Frank Reed (Gregg Henry) is the CEO of Churchill Downs and the father of Ashley “Ash” Taylor (played by Andrew Walker). Frank does not always see eye to eye with his son, and does not believe that Ash’s architecture firm has gotten enough top-tier projects.
Henry has had a storied television and film career, appearing in shows like Gilmore Girls, The Following, and Scandal, in addition to films such as Payback and Guardians of the Galaxy.
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Brynn Thayer as Lillie Taylor Reed
Photo: Hallmark Media Brynn Thayer plays Lillie Taylor Reed, the wife of Churchill Downs CEO Frank Reed and mother to Ashley “Ash” Taylor. Lillie is concerned about Frank and Ash’s relationship, and helps convince Ash to take the job with his father.
Thayer’s onscreen career began in 1986 with a cameo on Moonlighting. Since then, she has earned credits on shows including One Life to Live, Matlock, General Hospital, and Suits.
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Peyton Meyer as Lefty and Ally Ledford as Gloria Green
Photo: Hallmark Media Peyton Meyer and Ally Ledford play Lefty and Gloria Green, whose practically forbidden love story kicks off the multi-generational romance that is Kentucky Roses. However, differing versions of their love story have been passed down to Ash and Sadie.
Meyer starred as Lucas on Disney Channel’s Boy Meets World spinoff series, Girl Meets World. Other work of his includes American Housewife and Days of Our Lives, as well as 2021’s He’s All That, the Addison Rae-led gender-swapped iteration of She’s All That. Meanwhile Ledford most recently appeared in an episode of the TikTok vertical series, Good Luck, Baby Girl.
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Abigail Esmena as Camila Ortiz
Photo: Hallmark Channel Camila Oritz (Abigail Esmena) is Sadie’s best friend, who not only has a child on the way, but is preparing her horse, Angel Face, to compete in the Kentucky Derby.
Esmena’s movie credits include A Merry Single Christmas, Bob Trevino Likes It, and Gaslit by My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story.
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Annie Fitzpatrick as Anna
Photo: Hallmark Media Annie Fitzpatrick plays Anna, Sadie’s mother. Anna runs their family’s greenhouse and is concerned about Sadie, who after leaving her previous relationship, has returned home to pursue her dream of becoming a florist.
Fitzpatrick has appeared in movies such as Fun Size, Dark Waters, White Noise, and Mr. Manhattan.
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Katherine Morgan as Delilah
Photo: Hallmark Media Delilah (Katherine Morgan) is Louisville’s top-tier florist, who prides herself on solely seeking out her clients via word of mouth. While the no-fuss florist has a lot to teach Sadie through her internship, Sadie also has a lot to teach Delilah in return.
Morgan most recently appeared in 2023’s The Unraveling. She has earned television credits on Locke and Holmes: Unexpected Detectives and Dynasty.