For years I have been dreaming of a chance to go to the
Kentucky Derby, wear a great hat, drink
a Julep, see some beautiful horses and win a race for sure.
It’s on
my bucket list! Of course I’ll have to make sure I don’t encounter any of
the seedier side of horse racing in order to truly enjoy the day. I think I’d
want to hang out for a while in the paddocks and check out the stables. I wonder
if they would let me bring snacks for the horses. Probably not!
Then later, I’d want to get dressed up and join the party! Check
out my hat picks below.
Here is a great Julep recipe I found at Garden & Gun
mag. It’s from How to Mix Drinks by Bill Edwards, published 1936 and
sounds like a keeper to me.
Southern Mint Julep
1 glass of Bourbon
4
sprigs fresh mint
1/2 tbsp. powdered sugar
In a julep cup, crush the mint
leaves and sugar lightly together, add bourbon and fill glass with cracked ice;
stir gently until cup is frosted. Decorate on top with 3 sprigs of mint.
 |
| Photo property of Garden & Gun Magazine |
I also found several recipes for Kentucky
Burgoo that look wonderful. That’s a meal,
I’d love to try. It looks delicious … and seems to be a popular dish at Derby
parties.
 |
| Photo by Epicurian |
I don’t know much about betting or odds or race horses in
general. I just think horses are beautiful and I like their names. Check out
meet the
horses on the Derby website. The people who seem to know
about these things are betting Union
Rags is a hot ticket. He is a rather pretty
horse.
 |
| Photo by Reed Palmer Photography/Churchill Downs |
Then there is Dullahan, another pretty horse who is a
half-brother to New Mexico’s Mine that Bird who won the Derby in 2009 when most
said he couldn’t. Ha! I love an underdog. I can’t pronounce Dullahan’s name
properly but his jockey is adorable and from that fine state of
Louisiana.
 |
| Photo Kentucky Derby-by Coady Photography |
Look at that sweet face looking so calm and determined. Yeah,
Dullahan is a cutie for sure! So you can see, I don’t base my likes on
statistics. Just on cuteness and other superficial things … Ha-ha!
The question I really have to consider is whether I would wear
the Derby hat. Darn sure I’d drink the drink but the hat … not sure unless
…
I might be able to pull off this look that I found on Etsy by
Carolina Hat Girl …
 |
| Photo Carolina Hat Girl |
But I might get better use from this great SunBody Hat … if I add a beautiful silk flower
off to the side to match my fabulous dress (ummm, which I don’t own
yet).
 |
| Photo SunBody |
On the other hand since the day is also a celebration of Cinco
de Mayo, perhaps I should add a bit of southwestern flare with this SunBody
Mexican Green (Pressed) Palm Cattleman from Old Town Hat Shop. But then I wouldn’t be
channeling my inner Southern Belle
 |
| Photo Old Town Hat shop |
But since I won’t be attending the 138th Kentucky Derby, I
really don’t have to worry about having any of these things. I will be on hand
though, to watch the fastest 2 minutes in sports to see if I even came close
with my picks and have a ‘spirit’ … or two.
Visit the Kentucky Derby site for party ideas and more …
Have you been to or want to go to a Derby? Add a comment
and share.
~Maria
Hey Maria! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I don't really know how to bet either but I do love to just look at their beauty, I'm a barrel racer so speed comes second nature to me. Btw I've heard such great things about Cowgirl Dirt, I've never tried it before but it is one of those items on my must try list!
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks Raquel! I've been following Horses & Heels for a while now on FB.
DeleteI am just enchanted by these strong and beautiful animals. I love to watch them and be around them even though I don't ride. I'm the person who likes to bring the snacks to the stables and cheer the events though I'm not beneath mucking a stall for a friend.
I am glad we connected today. Stay in touch!
~M