LOUISVILLE, KY — To celebrate the running of the 136th Kentucky Oaks and Derby, the U.S. Postal Service will offer limited edition commemorative envelopes featuring a special gold postmark.

Each envelope features the winner of last year’s race -- Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra and Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Also pictured is jockey Calvin Borel, who rode both horses to victory. The limited edition, designed by local freelance artist Mike Covington, also features the Kentucky Flag stamp.

The Oaks envelope will be available on Friday, April 30 and the Derby envelope on Saturday, May 1 at the temporary postal station in the Grandstand at Churchill Downs. Cost per envelope: $6.

“We are thrilled to offer these collectible envelopes to celebrate the fastest two minutes in sports.” Louisville Postmaster Richard Curtsinger said. “These special envelopes are a must-have for horse-racing fans.”

Postal clerks will also apply a special pictorial postmark to souvenir programs, or any other item, with First-Class postage affixed.

Special postmarks will be available for 30 days beginning April 30 (Oaks) and May 1 (Derby). Customers should place stamped, addressed envelopes inside a larger envelope and mail them to: KENTUCKY DERBY STATION, 4440 CRITTENDEN DRIVE, LOUISVILLE, KY 40221-9998. Please specify which cancellation you are requesting.

Freelance artist Mike Covington is a graduate of the John Herron School of Art. Covington has more than 31 years experience working in the news art department at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, KY. As an illustrator, photographer and designer, he works in more than 10 graphic design and digital imaging programs. You can view samples of Covington’s work on his website, http://www.mothershipgraphics.com.