The secret’s out! Beloved Hallmark star Andrew Walker has been sitting on a secret project for close to a year — a new movie that he finally got to celebrate on January 28, 2026. Hallmark Media announced that “Kentucky Roses” will premiere on May 2 — the same day as the 152nd annual Kentucky Derby.
Created in partnership with Churchill Downs, the prestigious Louisville race track where the Derby is held each year, the movie was secretly filmed there in October, just before Walker headed to Miami for the Hallmark Christmas Cruise, he told EntertainmentNow.
Andrew Walker Filmed His Big Reveal at Churchill Downs
Hallmark Media released a video of Walker looking dapper at Churchill Downs, announcing his new movie. He shared it on social media and wrote in his Instagram Stories, “I can finally talk about it!”
Walker and his best friend, actress and producer (and Kentucky native) Kelly Pendygraft brought the idea for “Kentucky Roses” to Hallmark, he told EntertainmentNow, and were thrilled that the network got behind it. They attended the Kentucy Derby in May 2025 for further inspiration.
“This film is about honoring Kentucky’s history and the people who genuinely love and care for horses,” Walker told EntertainmentNow. “It’s rooted in respect and tradition, and it also celebrates all the people behind the scenes who bring Derby Day to life.”
Walker’s leading lady in the movie is Hallmark newcomer Odette Annable, best known for starring on the TV shows “Walker” and “Supergirl.” The cast also includes Ally Ledford, Peyton Meyer, Brynn Thayer, and Gregg Henry.
What is Andrew Walker’s ‘Kentucky Roses’ About?
According to Hallmark’s synopsis, “Kentucky Roses” takes place in the present day and in 1932 at Churchill Downs. “In present-day,” the synopsis says, “Sadie Moore (Annable) works in the Churchill Downs greenhouse, dreaming of becoming a florist and one day contributing to the Derby’s garland of roses, just like her great-grandmother, Gloria (Ledford).”
“As Derby Day approaches,” the synopsis continues, “Sadie meets Ash Taylor (Walker), the son of Churchill Downs’ CEO (Henry), who’s been asked to do an emergency repair on the iconic Twin Spires after a storm left one damaged. Both Sadie and Ash feel the weight of family legacy and the desire to carve out their own paths. Sparks fly, and their budding romance is complicated by a long-buried connection between their families—a bittersweet love story from the past that threatens to repeat itself.”
“Kentucky Roses” was directed by Hallmark favorite Claire Niederpruem, according to IMDb, and was written by Jamie Pachino, whose many Hallmark credits have included 2022’s “Long Lost Christmas” starring Taylor Cole, 2021’s “Five More Minutes” with Nikki DeLoach, and 2020’s “On the 12th Date of Christmas” starring Mallory Jansen and Tyler Hynes.
‘Kentucky Roses’ is Hallmark’s Latest Partnership With an Iconic Venue & Sporting Event
GettyThe partnership with Churchill Downs is just the latest collaboration between Hallmark Media and iconic sporting events and legendary venues. During the 2025 holiday season, Hallmark partnered with Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry for “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” with an all-star cast that included DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha.
Meanwhile, Lacey Chabert has been filming a 2026 Christmas movie at Disney World, while Niall Matter and Holland Roden have been filming “A Grand Biltmore Christmas” — the second Hallmark movie set at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
As for sports partnerships, Hallmark teamed up with the NFL in 2024 and 2025 for its “Holiday Touchdown” movies. The first focused on a love story centered around the Kansas City Chiefs, and the second was a celebration of the Buffalo Bills.
Hallmark Media VP Jessica Callahan said in a statement, “Hallmark Media and Churchill Downs are both legacy brands, each with more than a hundred years of history. Additionally, we share a commitment to giving generations of fans a memorable experience that fosters deep connections. Together, we’re thrilled to bring audiences an inspiring story of community, courage, and time-honored traditions.”
As part of the “Kentucky Roses” partnership, a “collection of romantic jewelry inspired by the movie” will be available in Hallmark Gold Crown stores.
Sounds like it will be a good movie to forward to watching. I like the partnership movies Hallmark is doing – getting to see iconic places in the history.
Odette Annable isn’t a newcomer and she’s had way more well known acting jobs a than Andrew Walker has
The article said she was Hallmark newcomer, not an acting newcomer.
Love Andrew’s movies, and this one looks like a good one. Looking forward to watching!