The 135th running of the Kentucky Derby was a dazzler, as 50-to-1 longshot Mine That Bird zipped along the rail and overtook the field to win by 6 and three-quarters lengths.
For many Americans, the Derby is the only horse race they know. And if it’s the only one to which you pay attention, pat yourself on the back for picking the best. The race itself flashes by in only a minute or two, but the Derby is more than that. It’s tradition, pageantry, mint juleps. And hats. Lots and lots of hats, stylish, wacky, sometimes both. A sampler is above.
Although I’ve never attended the Derby or even visited Churchill Downs, it’s definitely an event I’d like catch one of these years. I went to the Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore way back in 1976, and it was a grand time.
The Ball Caps Blog 
While we didn’t make it to the Derby itself, we were in Louisville for derby week and I blogged all the events we went too at http://www.robmiracle.com
One story I didn’t tell was a gift we stumbled upon (since the recipient was probably reading along). My wife needed to get a cheap unique gift for someone she works with as a contest prize. The winner is fascinated by derby hats.
While we were out shopping one day we found a large yard sale going on (well it was a honeymoon fundraiser). We found a lovely Derby hat on sell for $5. It was purchased new for over $100 and had actually been worn to a derby. My wife picked up a few extra embellishments for it and will deliver it tomorrow.
Oh and yes Dan, you should go!
I checked out the Derby trip photos. Very nice. And sounds like that hat was a great deal!