My husband has a friend whose horse is racing in the Kentucky Derby this May. That's right, you heard me. It is a shocker, but anyway we figure this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the race in style. The tickets are $800 a piece, so I am thinking this means we will have good seats??? (For that price I am expecting someone to carry me to my throne) Also, all of the transportation and parking is taken care of, so I don't need advice on that...My question is what do I wear? I've heard people really get dressed up.

I've been trying to think what I remember seeing in the owner's boxes when I have watched it on TV. I think a really good looking pants suit with a fairly fancy top and some jewelry would be enough. For shoes, I think you might be standing a lot. At least there will be walking and perhaps climbing steps up into your seating area. So think about Comfort and Style. One thing that you don't want to do, is be over dressed. Seems like there are a lot of hats, but since it can be sunny, maybe that's as much a sun screen as style. Dark Glases so you don't squint.


But hey! I don't really know. I am sure that someone closer to the real thing will know.

For where you're going you will need a stylish, sophisticated dress or suit, nice pumps and a very large (cartwheel?) hat. At least - that's what the people sitting in those seats all seem to wear on TV. I believe your hubby will need either a suit/blazer with tie. (I think if you look at the web site it will tell you what the rules of attire are for Derby day in those seats.)

Infield - anything as long as you're not naked.

"My husband has a friend whose horse is racing in the Kentucky Derby this May."

I hope you are right about the horse getting a chance to run in the Kentucky Derby.

I don't mean to be pessimistic, but most owners/trainers that feel they have a good chance of getting into the Derby don't get in.

Many highly regarded horses are overated right now and don't do well enough to get in. Others have injuries and fall off the Derby trail.

Other horses are up and coming and will do well in the Derby prep races.

Right now there are probably 50 horses with a realistic chance to get into the Derby. Only 20 will run in the Derby.

What is the horse's name?

A great hat is a must. I have a friend who goes every year and picking the hat is the big deal!

A hat...you definitely need a hat! As others have said, a really nice pants suit or dress with pretty jewelry should suffice, but don't forget a big hat, coordinated with your outfit. If you use Googles Image search for Kentucky Derby, you will find not only pictures of horse, but also the people attending. That should give you an even better idea of what to wear. (The people in shorts and t-shirts are not the ones sitting in the good seats!)

Dusty,
The horse's name is Flashy Bull.
This is the first sentence of an article his owner emailed us. Let me know what you think.

Race date: March 4th
Condition: Fountain of Youth(G2)
Finish position: 2
Earnings: $60,000

Comment:
Flashy Bull virtually punched his ticket to the Kentucky Derby(G1) this afternoon overcoming an extremely tough post position to be placed second in the final order of finish in the Fountain of Youth(G2).

Flashy Bull's sire is Holy Bull, one of the best horses in the 90's.

Holy Bull was favored to win the Kentucky Derby in 94 (finished 12th). Even after that Holy Bull ended up winning horse of the year honors for 94.

Holy Bull also sired last year's Kentucky Derby winner, Giacamo.

I looked at some of the ratings from the so-called experts. They rate Flashy Bull anywhere from 8th to 20th. Any horse rated in the top 20 is really a good horse.

Right now I'd say he has a great chance of making the Kentucky Derby field and a good shot to win it.

Dusty, Thanks for the info. Now we will just cross our fingers and hope he doesn't get injured!

Flashy Bull ran a big race on Saturday, almost winning the Fountain of Youth at odds of almost 11 to 1. He has a big shot at winning the Florida Derby, which I assume is his next race.

You've been given good advice re the clothing "required" (I've been to the Derby before). I'm a little concerned about an "owner" who allows you to pay $800 for seats but if it floats your boat, go for it.

You're right that Flashy Bull will more than likely be in the field on May 6. Still, lots could happen between now and then...cross your fingers and hope for good racing luck!

Be sure and watch the weather forcast for the days leading up to the Derby. The weather in Louisville this time of year can be very erratic. In recent years, there have been several Derbies where it was cold, and others where it has rained.

Even if it is 50 degrees and pouring, I'm sure you'll have a great time!!

The $800 seats are in what is referred to as "Millionaire's Row." This is where all the celebrities sit so bring your camera if you aren't too shy to use it. Have a great time - I'm jealous!!!

Having been to the Derby on several occasions it is necessary to dress the part, depending on your seats. I am surprised that the owner didn't purchase a box, as that is a cheaper alternative to individual seats. "Flashy Bull" is currently listed @ 32-1 on the future wager board. Although it is still a long way to go to get to the Derby, hopefully your horse will indeed make the trip. A few suggestions, if possible go early & hit some of the Derby celebrations away from the track. Also, Oaks Day is just as much fun (& tamer) than Derby Day, which is held the day before, on Friday. Your spouse will need a tie & jacket & you will, of course, need an appropriate hat to go w/the frock of your choosing. Usually the bigger the better when it comes to hats.

Think of what the English royal family would wear (colored suit and hat) and follow suit. Interesting read
http://www.horsehobbyist.com/article...yWatching.html

Hi Breathe! Well, maybe I'm the only Louisvillian to answer here. None of us go to the Derby. We go to the Oaks the day before and stay home on Saturday and drink with friends. Even if you're seated in the cheapest seats, you are allowed to wear whatever you like. People dress REALLY crazy! The wilder the hat, the better. Another poster was right, it can be 90 degrees or it can be snowing!I'll never forget the year we had the monsoon and Howard Cosell's toupee blew off, LOL. Most people here have 2 Derby outfits, one for cold, one for hot. And it can change in a day. Look at weather.com first! The Derby is an absolute blast. You'll be walking to the betting places and will want to go down to the paddock and possibly to the museum, so wear comfy shoes. Even with parking, you'll do a lot of walking to get to your seat.You'll also have to stand in some lines for the bathroom, even in expensive seats. But you're likely to see some big stars there! I hope you have made hotel arrangements. It's very tough to find hotel rooms, and the prices are outrageous. Ditto for restaurants who throw out traditional menus and offer "Derby Menus" $$$ If you can, the 500 buck ticket to the Barnstable-Brown party is tax deductible and you'll have a chance to hobnob with all the stars in a cramped but wild party. My best friend sings at this event yearly and I've heard all the wild stories. Hey, it's once and it's only money! If you have any specific questions, write me at this name @aol.com Have fun!!!

We were fortunate enough to be guests at the Derby a few years ago. We sat in a box and I called our host to ask what to wear. Most women wore a suit (skirt) or a nice dress. A hat is a very definite!!! Men wore suits also. I wore suits to the parties before in the days leading up to the derby. I will tell you to be wary and hold onto your money. Our host was pickpocketed from the front pocket. I saw it and grabbed the guy, but then I thought maybe I didn't see anything and let him go. He was in fact pickpocketed and I could have kicked myself for letting go.
It is very crowded when you go down to the area to view the horses. So,put your hand on your money when you are in the sea of people. Otherwise, you will be fine. I don't want to scare, just let you know to be aware.
Oh it was hot as he.. the day we went.
Have a great time!

Thanks everyone for your great information and advice.

Intrepid,
So is it customary for the owner to pay for everyone's ticket? Tell me what you mean by that statement. The owner did offer to pay half of the $800, but my husband, (being who he is) said, oh no, you don't have to do that." The owner did say if his horse wins some race in April, he will pay for all of everyones ticket. My husband is so excited to go, he will pay anything at this point!

I hadn't even considered that stars would be there, but I doubt I will be taking pictures.

We are going to get into town the Wednesday before so that we can go on the Barn tour and the race the day before.

The owner has a block of rooms at the Crown Plaza in Lexington and has reserved Limos to take us back and forth to the races and parties. What do you think about that? Is that a long drive each day? Even if it is, it should be fun.

It sounds like I am going to have to bring a lot of nice clothes and hats. Should I try to find the hats in town before I go, (like at Nordstrom?) or do they have better ones in Kentucky?

Great advice so far.

Comfy shoes are nice. However, state of the art dress shoes are best to be in fashion. Are you able to walk in heels?

Get hats that looks good on you. I think the wild ones are tacky (horses and jockeys on the brim with roses are more often seen in the infield where tacky is almost mandatory). Think royal Ascott(sp?). Also, don't wait til you get to KY. People plan ahead and the pickings will be slim.

Don't forget the SPF and the rain gear (tiny totes brella in a feminine color).

As far as the dress goes think pretty and elegant. Evening gown and rhinestones are over dressed for race day. Dressy spring wedding type style is perfect.

Remember some people really get into the races and scream for their horses. It's a personal decision. You don't have to if you don't want to. Also, expect to stand for the Derby and maybe other races.

Its a long day. There is a long break between the race before the Derby and the Derby. Don't believe anyone when they tell you they have a hot tip. Most of the experts are wrong most of the time. The Derby is a very hard race to handicap. Bet lightly and enjoy watching the horses. Don't miss seeing the horses getting saddled in the paddock (if you like horses). The best views in the paddock will be on races before the Derby.

Don't wait til you need the ladies room to seek one. There are indeed lines.

Have a great time.

It may be your once in a lifetime chance to wear something like you saw on Dynasty! Big hats, big cleavage, lots of leg. Few people already have such an outfit in their closets.

Your church clothes will be too mousy. Your work clothes will be too plain. Your evening clothes will be too dark or sparkly.