Saturday, May 3rd, will mark the 151st Kentucky Derby when over 150,000 enthusiastic fans turn up, all turned out for this highly regarded event. Known as “The Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby is much more than a 1.25 mile race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses.
The Derby is one of our nation’s great institutions, set in Louisville, Kentucky and run under the iconic twin spires of Churchill Downs. The pageantry of horse and rider proudly parading the vibrant silks, fans imbibing multiple Mint Juleps and crooning “My Old Kentucky Home,” the race to place wagers, the pounding of hooves as the crowd jubilantly cheers, and finally the Garland of Roses presented in the Winner Circle — each cherished ritual enhances the richness of this uniquely American Event.
In the lead up to the Derby, there is a full week of non-stop action. One of the fan faves is The Longinines Kentucky Oaks Race when the historic racetrack is bedecked with rosy bunting and guests are asked to prominently and proudly wear pink to raise funds and drive national attention to the fight against breast cancer.
For our what to wear, pink seemed just the right soft spring shade for both race days. Travel Tip from Packing for Travel: Always plan your wardrobe in a color scheme, making accessories easy to mix & match. Hats or fancy fascinators, of course, take center stage at this glorious equestrian spectacle, so we chose our accessories carefully to compliment — each will lead with confidence to the Winner Circle. Note to the ladies that Churchill Downs insists on handbags no larger than 12″ x 6″ X 12″.
Feminine Florals for Spring
$750 / Camilla Floral Linen Maxi $959 / Sachin & Babi Floral Faille $425
Accessories: Gisela Panama Broad Brim Hat $1095 / Loewe Mirrored Anagram Cat Eye
Sunglasses $450 / Asha Isabel Stud $295 / MissRaceKentucyHot Royal Ascot
Oaks Hat $195 / Cult Gaia Mii Solene Top Handle Bag $598 Shoes: Jimmy Choo Heloise
Leather Platform Sandals $995 / Sam Edelman Daniella Ankle Strap Patent Leather Sandals
$120
Our friend and horse woman Webb Egerton explains the excitement: “As a native Kentuckian the Kentucky Derby is one of the most special days in the year! It’s like no other experience in the world! People come from across the country and around the world — there is a mega high watt energy in the air from the minute you land! The high flying energy from the crowd builds the closer to the big race. When people start seeing the horses walk over onto the track from the backstretch the crowd erupts in cheers.
“The pageantry is incredible! When the horses are saddled and come back on the track, everyone jumps to their feet, singing ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ which is always very sentimental to me. It truly is the most exciting two minutes in the world!“
And for those who prefer to pace their ensembles across the pond, Royal Ascot’s enclosures beckon with a more formal experience. Ascot has a rich history spanning three centuries. The racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. The spectacle runs for five days, from Tuesday, June 17th through Saturday, June 21. Thursday is Ladies Day, meant to be the fanciest of fashion.
The dress code for ladies clearly states that a dress length must fall just above the knee or longer. Shoulder straps must be a minimum width of 1inch/ 2.5 cm — in other words, no spaghetti straps or strapless dresses. Hats are required however a headpiece or hatinator of no less than 4”/ 10 cm is acceptable.
Amy Hoadley provided these snaps of stylish friends and fans in attendance.
When we asked race horse owner Eleanora Kennedy if she raced at the Derby, she replied: “I ran in Kentucky but it was not the Derby. My highest racing moment was winning the Duke of Richmond’s race at Goodwood in England. Since you mentioned 🤭I have won 24 races in Ireland and England!”
You can read more about Eleanora’s escapes in Ireland here …
Hilary is also fond of florals for spring. “When I think of the Derby I think florals and hats. Feminine, cool and chic. And I found these beautiful bags from my friend Daniella Ortiz that have horse hardware which are the perfect accessories for the big race.”
Hilary and I take a yearly pilgrimage to Saratoga Springs in August. A delightful trip back in time. Opening in 1863, Saratoga Race Course is the oldest racing track and perhaps the oldest sporting venue in the country.
To find out more about Derby history, the best recipe for Mint Julep, music and lyrics to “My Old Kentucky Home,” or even the opportunity to wager on the derby, visit the well-stocked website of the Kentucky Derby.
And don’t forget to practice the tune!
