Kentucky Oaks

I'm not even sure if I have proper oragnized thought to cover all that I would love to say about Oaks. Here goes anyway, but you have been warned...

I have been planning my KY trip for a couple of months now. I have always wanted to experience Derby and I love hats so of course I had to go on a search for a hat when the plans were coming together. All my KY people were telling me that Oaks is more fun then Derby, it's not as crowded or crazy, and you still get to dress up in a pretty hat and dress. Plus for a couple of years now Oaks is a "pink out" as $1 per ticket to Oaks goes to breast cancer research. You throw the word pink in there and almost always I'm sold to the idea.

As time got closer to my trip, my outfit finally started coming together. The hat was easy (and cheap compared to what most women pay... mine was only $92 with shipping) the dress and shoes were a little trickier. There was a dress that I really wanted, but wasn't going to buy until I found shoes. That never happened and I ended up with another dress and cute pink sandals.

Finally, it's time for my drive to KY. I made it in about 7 1/2 hrs and was enthralled with a book on CD and the time went by so fast that way. Once I get to Amy's house we went to dinner and then stopped by Kroger on the ride home. I never knew that Kroger makes the garlands for the winning horses for both Oaks (lillies) and Derby (roses.) I honestly never thought that my first pictures of my Oaks experience would start at Kroger!

At long last Oaks morning arrives. We get ready, Amy's friend, Kelly, comes over, and then it's off to Churchill Downs! We park near the UofL Stadium and begin our walk. David, Amy's husband, has already informed us that he isn't chasing any hats so we better hold on to them if the wind picks up. It's an absolutely gorgeous day for Oaks. Once we get to Churchill Downs, I'm completely mesmerized by the beauty and the grandeur and the air of tradition. We certainly see a number of interesting people and hats along the way.

Once inside, we make a stop by the paddock. Then we get our programs and start deciding who we want to bet on throughout our day. It does not go unnoticed that all the people that work at CD are very polite and actually look like they are happy to see you there. Back home, you might get a thank you or have a nice day, but it's rare if you get it with meaning or a smile. After a stop by the betting tellers, we make our way to our box. Our seats are great and even better they are covered!

I got to spend a whole day people watching (a personal favorite to do any and everywhere), picking out horses that I want to put a couple bucks on and I just want them to place. Unfortunately, after Prom Shoes (whose jockey won Derby last year and he was wearing pink with polka dots, so obviously I would choose him) came in 4th, I gave up on betting. None of my horses that I picked all day ever did what I wanted. Early in my morning I had a few texts with Heather and she told me her family's Oaks picks and I told her mine, so I do have back up on my selection... however I'm done with betting come time for the Oaks race. That would be the race that my pick won. Well done, Blind Luck!

Now the Oaks race is over and we're all tired and don't feel up to staying for the last race of the day and we start making the trek back to the car. We start walking up the bridge by the UofL stadium and we're all holding our hats since it's kind of windy. At the top of the bridge, the breeze stops for a minute. I take my hand off my hat. A huge gust of wind blows by... and carries my hat off. I'm stunned. A guy walks up to me as I'm running my fingers through my hair and says "sweetheart, was that you that just lost a hat?" I confirm that with a yes. He then says "well, at least now we all get to see your pretty, fiery red hair! Chalk this up to your donation to the Derby gods!" and continues to try and soothe me. I'm more stunned that he thinks my hair is fiery red. Kelly, then tells me that my hat is Georgia's contribution to the Derby. Honestly, all I can think is "I was lucky and only paid $92 for my hat... and now it's gone." Luck ended up being on my side. :) As we are walking down the stairs from the bridge, we see my hat!!! It's laying on the ground between the bridge and someones truck! Hooray!!! Major smiley face on my very tired face! David ran over and picked it up for me and then we are able to start the short car ride journey back to their house.

Then we came up with enough energy to make a cameo at her aunt's party, stopped by Kroger to see the rose garland for the winning Derby horse, and then declared an end to our very long and exhausting day.

Now... it's time for me to get ready for a rainy Derby day. And I'm already looking forward to next year!!!