Kentucky Derby Trivia + Our Top 25 Hats

It is almost time to tune in to the horse racing event of the year in Louisville, KY. All of the ladies and gents will be wearing their finest. Do you know how it all started and how the traditions began? Today we are going over some trivia and history of the Kentucky Derby that includes the Mint Julep, fashions, and our top 25 derby style hats. I will also share my personal Derby Day story.

Before all the information, I must tell you about my trip to the Kentucky Derby in 1974. A day before the derby a friend in my dorm heard about a bus going to the derby with tickets in the infield for a smokin’ deal. I attended The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, so it was not that far to Louisville. Not having anything to do that weekend I decided to go with her.

Upon arrival, we were led through the infield gate to see wall to wall blankets and hundreds of crazy people. It was one big party for sure. I wondered around meeting people of all ages and from all over the US. I never did see any fancy outfits or big derby hats. I did have f a few Mint Juleps for the first time. Oh and this was the year that a streaker climbed up the flagpole…..yes naked. I was overwhelmed with all that was going on that day.

I couldn’t wait until the race started but I wasn’t sure how I would see it with all of the people pressed up against the fence. I finally got on my hands and knees and crawled under legs and managed to see the legs and hooves of the horse’s race by. That was it….lasted 10 seconds. We didn’t have big screen TV’s back then, just an announcer that announced the winner.

On our way home on the bus, I was sharing the day with my friend and she was sharing with me. Once we were there, we didn’t see each other but a couple of times all day. What I learned is that there were several races throughout the day that I didn’t even realize were happening. Who would know that with all of the madness in the infield? So, did I really experience the Kentucky Derby? I certainly experienced something but not a horse race! My husband said that I experienced the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby….. on my knees.

If I ever have the opportunity to go back to the Kentucky Derby, I will be sitting in the grandstands giving out air kisses with my best outfit on, wearing an outrageous hat and of course sipping on a Mint Julep.

Kentucky Derby Trivia:

What is the Kentucky Derby? The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, and is followed by the Preakness Stakes on May 19 and the Belmont Stakes on June 9.

How many years have these races been going on? 144 years

The first Kentucky Derby Race: 1875

What is the official flower of the Kentucky Derby and when was it introduced? Roses became the official flower in 1906 and the first over 400 red rose  garland was started in 1932

What is the nickname for this race? The Run for the Roses

What is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby? The Mint Julep

Who one the Derby May 5, 1973– Secretariat won the Derby.

June 9th, 1973 Secretariat won the Triple Crown. He was the first in 25 years to win this rare accomplishment.

May 4, 1974 – I was there in the infield at my first Kentucky Derby when a streaker climbed up the flagpole.

How many horses have won the triple crown? Only twelve horses have won the Triple Crown: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat(1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), and American Pharoah (2015).

Who is the Official Hatmaker of the Kentucky Derby? Tenth Street Hats  They will be on site at the Derby.

History of the Mint Julep

The Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938. This cocktail thought to originate of sugar syrup and mint used by the farmers for medicinal purposes and to give their day a kick start much like coffee does for us today. Later Virginians made this drink with rum, brandy & mint before it headed west to Kentucky where Kentucky bourbon became the spirit of the time.

Mint juleps were once served in pewter julep cups with crushed or shaved ice….. You can read this rest of the history of the mint julep  here

History of the Kentucky Derby Hat

Fashion has always been an important part of the Kentucky Derby. After a visit to several famous race tracks in Paris and England in 1872, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr decided that he wanted to bring the same high profile race to the United States. He raised money for a racetrack just outside of Louisville, Ky and held the first Kentucky Derby in 1875.

In order to make this a successful event he knew he had to lure the ladies in and make it a fashion spectacular. He and his wife invited the ladies of Louisville to come to the races and picnic with friends. ‘Morning dress’ was the recommended attire and therefore hats and gloves became the dress code then and the Derby hat has carried on. As fashion trends have come and gone, the one thing that has remained constant if not more important is the chance to stand out wearing the most outrageous hat.

We have linked some awesome hats today that can be purchased for the derby, a wedding or a garden party. Most of our hats are modest in comparison to some of the hats that have been worn in the past. Go here and here to see some unique hats worn over recent years.

Photos by Maritere Rice Photography

Outfit Details

Kentucky Derby Hats

SHESHE’S TIDBITS

• I am feeling better this week than I have felt in a long time. I have decided to make a few changes and so far they are working. One is to walk every day and the other is to go to bed earlier. I have also had time to catch up on some things, so therefore less stress.  The end result is a happy, rested SheShe. Now, if I can continue with this program.
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