Hallmark Star Bonds with Dad Over Filming at Kentucky Derby Venue

Andrew Walker shares how filming 'Kentucky Roses' at Churchill Downs allowed him to connect with his father's love of the iconic horse race.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the detailed, velvety texture of a chestnut-colored horse's coat, captured with dramatic studio lighting to create a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic.The lush, textured coat of a Kentucky Derby racehorse reflects the glamour and excitement of the iconic annual event.Louisville Today

Hallmark actor Andrew Walker revealed the special way he bonded with his dad while filming his latest movie 'Kentucky Roses' on location at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Walker, whose father is a longtime Kentucky Derby fan, would FaceTime his dad each morning from the set to share the picturesque scenes of the track and horses warming up, creating a meaningful connection between father and son.

Why it matters

The filming of 'Kentucky Roses' at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, provided a unique opportunity for Walker to share his work experience with his father, who has a deep passion for the iconic horse race. This personal connection highlights how Hallmark productions can create special moments for the actors involved beyond just the on-screen performances.

The details

Walker's new Hallmark movie 'Kentucky Roses' was filmed on location at Churchill Downs in Louisville, where the 152nd Kentucky Derby will be held just hours before the film's premiere. Each morning, Walker would call his father in Montreal to share the picturesque scenes of the racetrack at dawn, with the horses warming up and the sky turning pink - moments his father, as a longtime Kentucky Derby fan, had never experienced firsthand. The ability to film at such an iconic venue was made possible through Hallmark's expanding partnerships with major sports and entertainment organizations.

  • The 152nd Kentucky Derby will be held just hours before the premiere of 'Kentucky Roses' on May 2, 2026.
  • Walker would FaceTime his father each morning from the 'Kentucky Roses' set at Churchill Downs.

The players

Andrew Walker

A longtime Hallmark Channel actor who stars in the new movie 'Kentucky Roses'.

Odette Annable

Walker's co-star in 'Kentucky Roses'.

Kelly Pendygraft

A producer on 'Kentucky Roses' who developed the project with Walker.

Cassandra Walker

Andrew Walker's wife, who will attend the 'Kentucky Roses' premiere event with him.

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What they’re saying

“My dad is a huge Kentucky Derby fan. So in the morning, I would show up to my trailer, and it'd be six o'clock in the morning, it'd be dawn. There would be dew coming off the race track, and the horses would be warming up. You'd hear them come around the corner, the sky (was) pink, just perfect. And so I'd FaceTime my dad at those moments, and it was really, really special.”

— Andrew Walker, Actor

“You know, he was really proud. And that's the best feeling that I could have, right? Calling him from something and somewhere that's so iconic, this sporting event that he never thought that he would be able to see from that perspective.”

— Andrew Walker, Actor

What’s next

Walker will return to Churchill Downs for the 'Kentucky Roses' premiere event with his wife Cassandra to celebrate the film's release.

The takeaway

The filming of 'Kentucky Roses' at the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack provided a meaningful way for Hallmark star Andrew Walker to connect with his father's lifelong passion for the Kentucky Derby, highlighting how the network's productions can create special personal experiences for the actors involved.