Thursday, April 29, 2010

Raise a Glass to the Big Day










Tomorrow is the running of the Kentucky Oaks - we’re heading into a whirlwind of activity over the next couple of days, and given that, this is likely my last post as we head into the weekend. The schools are closed on Friday and most of the city shuts down. Believe me the tumbleweeds will be rolling through office buildings throughout the city. So, in honor of the Derby, I’ll share some Derby pics of Hubby, our friends and me at Derbies past.

Unfortunately, we did not score tickets this year. Boo!!! But, we’re doing the next best thing, gathering with friends for a big bash. Good food, games and plenty of Kentucky spirit(s). Oh, yeah, and a horse race or two will be watched.

Derby Picks
According to the sports writers, current favorites are Lookin At Lucky trained by Bob Baffert with 3 – 1 odds, and Sidney’s Candy owned by weight loss mogul Jenny Craig, with 5 – 1 odds. As of right now, I’m picking Dublin as my overall horse to win. He stands at 12 – 1 and is trained by D. Wayne Lukas. Not too bad.

Just because bets:
  • Homeboykris, owned by Yankees Joe Torre, for Hubby (50-1 odds, what the heck)
  • Backtalk in honor of my son, also a 50 -1 odds horse, but an offspring of Smarty Jones, so you never know.
  • As I mentioned yesterday, I loved the look of Paddy O’Prado. You should always bet on a gray horse, no matter what. So, I may place a show bet on Paddy.
  • For those of you who follow blogger Sara at Southern Comfort, her good friend is co-owner of Mission Impazible, so in honor of Sarah, place a wager on her friend's colt.
  • Last, but not least, the filly, Devil May Care. You gotta place a bet on the only gal running in the race. Girl Power!

To those of you who are attending the Derby this year, cheers to you. It’s such fun and one of my favorite events of all time. There’s nothing else like it. Ladies, wear your hats proudly and may those heels not do a number on your feet by day’s end. Gentlemen, make sure your ties are straight and your white bucks are ready to go.

For those of you who will be watching the Derby from distances far and wide, raise a toast during “My Old Kentucky Home.” I will be, with a tear in my eye. :)

27 comments:

James said...

You were born to wear hats, you look so lovely. The Open Road on your husband is a classic that he wears well. I hope you both have a fun filled Derby Day.

Anonymous said...

Love all your derby pictures! Hope you have the best time! Can't wait to read all about it. xoxo

Gabi said...

Love the pictures. You look amazing in hats :) What an experience. Maybe some day I'll get down there...I have been to a race in Richmond, but the Derby looks so fun.
Looking forward to reading about your weekend...

Jan M said...

Wonderful photographs! I have really enjoyed reading your Derby posts this week. Someday I hope to attend in person. Enjoy your weekend festivities!

Meg said...

I am so beyond jealous! I have always wanted to go to the Derby! Looks like you guys had fun!

Meg

JMW said...

James, I'm so glad you noticed Hubby's hat! That was his grandfather's, who had a box for years at Churchill and attended countless numbers of Derbies. When it became difficult for him to attend in his older age, he handed down the Stetson (made of beaver!) to Hubby. That hat landed us in the newspaper one year - a huge photo of us! So, its' become a good luck charm of sorts.

Main Line Sportsman said...

You look great in the pink stripes and hat...very "Derby" look...classic. I am pleased to see evidence of Juleps being consumed throughout the photos.
I am with you on Dublin...Lukas is a great trainer and knows Churchill and what it takes to win and I like to pick an entry with decent odds....have a great weekend!

Jessi said...

Have fun! I'm busy prepping for our annual party!! I'll raise an Oaks Lily (not a bourbon fan...)

myletterstoemily said...

lovely photos of gorgeous hats on
beautiful ladies!

these posts have been such fun.

Jo said...

Love all the past derby flair and so looking forward to seeing the present. Have a wonderful time!

Jo

Kalee said...

What a fabulous post, JMW! Derby time is the hap-happiest time of the year, isn't it? Charming photos!

Anastasia Schembri said...

You look just divine in all your hats!
I have been following along with all your Derby posts and they have been excellent!
Hope you have a splendid time with your friends as you celebrate the Big Day!

A Refocused Life said...

What fun! You look great in hats. I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts on the Derby.

Thanks for leaving a note on my post. It's always great to hear from you. Rita

Trish {Pink Preppy Lilly Lover} said...

Oh sweet friend you are GORGEOUS and the epitome of a real classy Derby lady. You and your hubby have obviously had some amazingly fun adventures at previous derby festivities in past years, and I just hope one of these days Matt and I can seriously get together with you for a TN bourbon tour! Thought of you today as I put together my little steeplechase tribute. Have a great time this weekend sweetie! xox

Jane said...

You look fantastic ..!! It all looks a lot like the excitement we have each year in November for the Mebourne Cup - what a great time - one day, when I travel to the US I would love to Do the Derby xoxo

Elizabeth said...

i love your hat. i have that same exact dress with the hot pink stripes....now i just need your hat:) i like your husbands hat too. it reminds me of my pop-paw.

Anonymous said...
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Pemberley said...

Lovely pictures. Found you by way of Main Line Sportsman.

LPC said...

You're so pretty! You all look so great and so very happy. Happy Derby to you:).

Unknown said...

Oh, lovely photos! I am so jealous of you Kentucky Girls, we aren't even going to get to watch on TV, we have other plans. Anyway, came over from Plain and Fancy Living, love your blog and will be following! Cheers!

bevy said...

You look stunning in EVERY picture! Love the hats on everyone. Have a ball this weekend... I'll be watching and thinking of my Kentucky friend!

pve design said...

Cheers, mint and all! love your hats!
It is a lovely day here today!
pve

sophiedahydesigns said...

We have SO much fun just watching it on tv! Can only imagine how much fun it is if you live there!

ALR said...

You looked fabulous! It looks like neither of us picked the winner this year...maybe next time. Thanks for sharing your pics.

xo
Amy R.

the pink prep said...

oh i LOVE it!!! all the fashion and the finery! don't you all look lovely?!? this is YOUR time of year!

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to attend, hat and all. :) xoxo

Jennifer said...

you are so lucky to go to the derby. All my southern blog friends turned me on to it...so much fun and drinks too! I had my first mint julep!
Yes, summer is the time for all fresh fruit and veg to! Yippee!