May 3, 2022. Louisville, KY.   – This year’s Liberty Financial Great Steamboat Race will have three contenders – the hometown Belle of Louisville, upriver rival the Belle of Cincinnati and a newcomer from the south in lower Mississippi, the American Countess.  The race is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4.

The three boats will participate in a traditional race on the river. The 14-mile course on the Ohio River starts and finishes at the Clark Memorial Bridge. The winner will be determined by the first boat to cross the finish line.

There will be judges aboard the boats and the majority decision of the judges will be final. The winner will be presented with the set of 12-point Silver Antlers at the post-race ceremony. The Awards Ceremony will take place immediately following the race at the 4th Street Wharf.

The Belle of Louisville won the last race in 2021 and has won a total of 29 times since the river rivalry began in 1963. This is the first time the American Countess has participated.

Boarding for the Great Steamboat Race will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with all the boats departing the shore at 5:45 for a 6 p.m. start. The Awards Ceremony will take place immediately following on the Chow Wagon Stage at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Tickets for the Belle of Louisville are sold out but to purchase tickets on the Belle of Cincinnati, call (800) 261-8586.

Liberty Financial is the Title Sponsor of this year’s race, joining Contributing Sponsors Brough Brothers Distillery and PPL Therapeutic Services, PLLC; Supporting Sponsor Creative Charters; and Media Sponsor: Q103.1. Official Bourbon is Brough Brothers Distillery.