For better or worse, that rite of spring centered on horseflesh and horseracing, fashion accessories (or lack of them), and the search for the perfect mint julep is here again. I know it’s May – even up here in New Hampshire’s “almost spring” weather, when, in my mind’s ear and eye, I can hear the trumpet fanfare of “Call to Post” at Churchill Downs and see the mind-numbing array of colors that represent both the silks of the participating stables and the efforts of Louisville fashionistas to outdo each other in the realm of spring finery. Truly … it’s a cacophony of noise and colors that can easily bring on a case of sensory overload. Away from the fanfare and the Grandstand, Derby Day partiers across the country will attempt to outdo each other when it comes to the hat equation – some will be glorious, some will be outrageous … but hey, it only happens once a year and what other yearly celebration offers milliners such an unfettered opportunity to showcase their wares? Even if “the milliner” of choice is the neighborhood Wal-Mart. I don’t need to imagine the smell of mint. Nature has already presented us with our first batch of home-grown mint in the garden.
I say for better or worse, because although I love to see so much magnificent horseflesh assembled together in one venue and to see the horses run – and horses do love to run – I can appreciate that, as is the case with every human “establishment”, there is the opportunity for abuse. Let’s face it, horses are beautiful, perfect creatures who can, of themselves, commit no evil. We humans are not perfect. Today, however, I will leave that conundrum to my husband, who spent decades in the animal welfare field as an animal cruelty investigator and who remains conflicted about the Day and its events. You may hear his take on the day later. That’s up to him.
To that same husband’s credit … when I announced around noon that I was ready for my mint julep … although he looked at me a bit askance and queerly, he went to the garden, snipped some fresh mint and, after muddling it together with some raw sugar and adding a healthy dose of bourbon, presented me with one fine concoction. Oops … minus the chilled mint julep cup. Hopefully, that missing ingredient will have been found when I come up for air for post time!
For me, aside from all that horseflesh and leather (I love the smell of tack), Derby Day is also about tradition. And one thing that Louisville, that bastion of a Southern city, does well is tradition. When I say “well”, sometimes that can and does extend to include “overboard”.I lived in the South for many years … Atlanta, actually … and there’s one thing about the South you have to understand … it doesn’t stint on “overboard”. It’s whole hog or nothing. And that’s one of the finest things about the South and its enduring traditions. Now socialites and fashionistas aside, there’s another Derby tradition that’s kinda hard to explain. That’s “the Infield”. That’s where the real party takes place … 40 acres of party. While there are some who think nothing of sacrificing a pair of Ferragamo heels and flatware from the family’s silver service to the infield (which has different levels of “muckiness” … depending on whether or not the ground was wet and muddy before the thousands of pairs of feet started to churn it up), the favorite, prevalent footwear for this celebration far removed from the Grandstand is flip flops. Actually, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to say that there are some folks who have striven to celebrate the day and enjoy barbecue in nothing but a hat adorned with roses and flip flops. Louisville’s “finest”, charged with keeping some sense of decorum, usually try to nip those attempts in the bud. But definitely, what constitutes “decorum” takes on a whole new meaning come Derby Day. I think the goal is just to keep Churchill Downs from being known as Kentucky’s version of Sodom and Gomorrah … even for a day. If all the party-goers and the infield live to “fight” another year … mission accomplished.
Obviously, I love Derby Day. I am also an equestrienne and an antiques dealer. Guess what, put that together, and I’m also known as being a source for Equestrian Antiques and Collectibles. The Kentucky Derby is an event that has produced some of the most desirable collectibles across the decades. (I’ll never forget the week ten years or so ago I innocently put up for separate auctions on eBay copies of the three magazines which sported Secretariat on their covers in 1973: Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, and Time. It made for an interesting, educational, and extremely financially rewarding exercise. And they were only thirty-year old back issues of magazines!)
There was one item offered not so long ago by one of our merchant partners that I wish I’d bought for my own collection. Darn it – I didn’t, but I’ll tell you a bit about it. It was the actual patent prototype (complete with diagrams), made of leather, that was created to protect a horse’s legs against other horses' hooves and track debris. It was first used at the Kentucky Derby in the latter part of the 19th century. Amazing to think “America’s most exciting two minutes in sports” has been run every year since 1875. Anyway, I believe the price was $1,500. I hope it went to someone affiliated with the race.
The merchant partner I refer to is The New York Times Store. This company has access to sporting events and icons like no other entity and has had for three centuries. As a result, it has a “stable” of some of the finest sporting antiques and collectibles available for purchase. And that includes tons of really cool stuff from the “Run for the Roses” from yesteryear. If you are into collecting Kentucky Derby memorabilia – especially rare and hard to find items – check out the offerings at: http://www.nytstore.com/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=cj&utm_campaign=3751848&utm_content=5881890&utm_term=10969274
Again, May is here and the Run for the Roses is about to happen … for the 140th time! May the best horse … and jockey … win! May all you party-goers stay safe. And – come Monday morning, if you find yourself in need of a new pair of flip flops … be sure to check out the selection at unltd.com’s very own site dedicated to Flip Flops: http://www.flipflops.unltd.com/
In the meantime, what are some of your most memorable Derby Day moments?
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