Bringing the glamour, splendor, and tradition of the Kentucky Derby to life, just ahead of the 152nd anniversary, is Hallmark’s Kentucky Roses, starring leading man Andrew Walker.
The sweeping multi-generational love story leans heavily into everything Derby culture is known for: fashion, roses, racing, and time-honored Southern traditions. The film marks more than 18 Hallmark movies for Walker, who also serves as executive producer. Kentucky Roses premieres on Derby Day, May 2.
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“When I was talking about how this story should unfold, I kept coming back to Titanic, and how you enter through the discovery of the necklace,” Walker exclusively told Parade.
That framing device helps unlock a story steeped in more than a century of history at Churchill Downs, something that Walker was determined to honor.
Gregg Henry and Andrew Walker in the Hallmark movie 'Kentucky Roses'Courtesy of Hallmark Media
The film follows Ash Taylor, the son of Frank Reed (Gilmore Girls' Gregg Henry), the CEO of Churchill Downs, who is determined to forge his own path, and Sadie Moore (Odette Annable), a gifted greenhouse worker on the verge of becoming a top florist.
Walker, best known for Hallmark’s Three Men trilogy and The Perfect Catch, first broke out in the sci-fi film Laserhawk and has appeared in series including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, CSI: Miami, The Big Bang Theory, and Reba. Annable is known for her roles in Supergirl, Walker, and House.
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Together, their characters form an unlikely partnership to save the iconic Kentucky Derby rose blanket while uncovering a long-lost love story between Ash's great-uncle Charlie — nicknamed Lefty (Peyton Meyer) — and Sadie's great-grandmother, Gloria (Ally Ledford).
“We tell this story through the lens of a discovered family heirloom,” Walker explained. “It brings us back to a love story that couldn’t survive because of family expectations. It’s beautiful, especially with Churchill Downs as the backdrop.”
Andrew Walker and Odette Annable in 'Kentucky Roses'Courtesy of Hallmark Media
Walker also connected deeply with his character’s drive for independence. “My parents supported my acting, but they were protective,” he said. “That’s similar to Ash—he’s always gone against the grain and never wanted anything handed to him on a silver platter based on his father’s connections and status.”
Like his character, Walker understands the need to prove oneself. “It takes a mother to mediate sometimes,” he added with a laugh. “And in this case, following her advice leads him somewhere he never expected: Falling in love.”
Walker said that working with Annabel, who marks her first Hallmark movie with Kentucky Roses, was a sheer pleasure. "She is extremely easy to have chemistry with."
Their first scene takes place midway through the movie. They are at a bar, and he tells her about his family's expectations and how they contrast with his father's expectations for him. "Then we step out onto the dance floor, and we see the photo of Lefty and Gloria together. There were many great moments both before and after that."
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One of the film’s biggest draws is how fully it immerses viewers in Derby life. The Hallmark team spent 10 of 15 filming days at Churchill Downs.
“We saw every nook and cranny of that building,” Walker said. “You’re talking about 150-plus years of history layered into that building. Every corner tells a story.”
He was especially fascinated by the bugle tower. “The man up there has made it his own little world, filled with his little knick-knacks that make it his home. If only those walls could talk, it would be incredible.”
And then there are the hidden gems. “There are three speakeasies on the property,” Walker revealed. “In one, you touch a horse’s hoof in a portrait, and a hidden door opens. It’s wild.”
Odette Annable in the Hallmark movie, Kentucky Roses. Photo Credit: ©2026 Hallmark MediaBeyond the glamour, he was struck by the tight-knit community behind the scenes. “The backside of Churchill Downs is like its own town—with a school, grocery store, even sports leagues,” he said. “In Louisville, everyone is connected to the track in some way. It’s part of the city’s identity.”
The film’s 1920s-set flashbacks add old-fashioned charm, telling the story of a forbidden romance divided by class. “It feels like a more grown-up Hallmark movie,” Walker said. “That’s what’s going to resonate—it’s not your typical love story.”
That contrast between past and present drives the film’s emotional core.“You see how love evolves,” he said. “My character is willing to fight for the girl of his dreams; something that his great uncle couldn’t.”
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Walker also reflected on his close bond with Three Wise Men holiday trilogy co-stars Paul Campbell, his wife’s cousin, and his other pal, Tyler Hynes.
“There’s no competition between us,” he said. “I would love to do more movies with them. We complement each other, and we always have each other’s backs.”
Andrew Walker and Odette Annable in 'Kentucky Roses'Courtesy of Hallmark Media
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The race scenes in Kentucky Roses are another highlight, capturing the energy of the Derby. “We filmed with locals, and watching it back, it really felt like being there,” Walker said. “That authenticity makes all the difference.”
A self-described “horse guy,” Walker relished the chance to dive deeper into that world. “Early on, I had a tough experience riding,” he admitted. “But later, working with great wranglers on Westerns changed everything. Now I love it.”
At its heart, Kentucky Roses is about community, which is something Walker believes Hallmark consistently delivers.
“These movies bring people together,” he said. “They give audiences a sense of hope, joy, and connection -- a throwback to a time when neighbors looked out for each other.”
Kentucky Roses premieres on Hallmark on Saturday, May 2, at 8/7c.
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