Derby Day

Today was the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby!

I have always been a horse racing fan partly because I was able to ride and compete horses growing up (I did English/jumping not racing). Owning a horse and just being around them so much I have always loved horses and have loved watching the Derby. I was even able to visit Churchill Downs last March when I was in Louisville for a work event.

Well, last year when John and I were watching the Derby I remember telling John that it would be fun to have a party so this year we did!

It was fun to plan everything and I realized very quickly how much more time things take to plan and do with a baby. I will make sure to leave a whole lot more time for any future parties!

It was tons of fun though and we had a great time with friends and even Peyton had two friends over. I love seeing her with other babies!

We asked all of the ladies to wear a Derby Hat and I was so excited that everyone participated. Even the two little baby girls had bows/hats for the Derby. Sarah won for best hat and I am sad that I don't have a picture of just her but she is the one on the far left of the group picture with the large black hat. Her daughter also matched her with a black head band with a red bow/feather. So cute!

I had fun making my hat and also a very large bow with a flower for Peyton. She was such a good sport! I already have some ideas for what I want next year's hat to look like!

We decorated with some arrangements of roses (since it is the Ride for the Roses), some of my old horse show ribbons and even brought out my old saddle and helmet from the attic.

I made an assortment of food and made sure to throw in some Kentucky based cuisine including a Derby Pie, Benedictine Spread for Veggies, and Beef Tenderloin with Henry Bain sauce. We even tried Mint Juleps which we could have done without. Not something I would be standing in line for anytime soon.

We had everyone place their bets at the betting area and did betting off of a point system instead of money. We had information sheets made out with all of the horses stats that I pulled on Thursday. It was fun to see everyone try to pick their horses. We had a prize for whoever got the most points off of their bet which I ended up winning getting only 2 points and only because my second place finisher was correct but no one else.

It was tons of fun hanging out and waiting for the race to start and when it did it was a shocker. I think they said it was the second biggest upset in Derby history with 50-1 "Mine that Bird," pulling off an impressive finish. Like I said earlier I only got the second place horse correct and my first place bet finished second to last and my other pick was in the middle of the pack.

Tons of fun and something we might have to do every year! Hope everyone had a great Derby Day!

Here are some of the pictures from the day....