Three races over the course of five weeks – the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, known as the Triple Crown Derby. The term “triple crown” is used to describe when a horse and jockey win all three races, a feat only accomplished by 13 horses.
The first Kentucky Derby was started in 1875 by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. Clark was inspired by horse races in Europe. This year’s races were the most-watched, with roughly 19.6 million views on NBC and Peacock. This sets a new viewership record for the event.
“A lot of traditions, like the winner’s circle or like the run for the roses and everything like that, I think they’ve definitely made the derby exciting, I guess, like it’s something for the jockeys and the horses to look forward to” Sophie Sun 28’ said.
The winners’ circle is the presentation for the winning horse where awards are presented. Another tradition at the derbies, specifically Kentucky, is the enormous rose garlands presented to the winning horse. These iconic rose garlands inspired the derby nickname, “Run for the Roses.”
The garlands have hundreds of roses, weighing about 40 pounds. A fun fact about the garland is that each flower contains a vial of water to ensure they stay fresh.
High-speed racing isn’t the only exciting part about the Derbies. Celebrities, athletes and derby fans show up and show out with unique outfits every year. The Kentucky and Triple Crown Derbies are equally fashion shows as they are horse races.
Clark and his wife, Mary Martin Anderson Clark, marketed the Kentucky Derby to elite Louisville citizens as a high-society event. Attendees were encouraged to wear their best attire.
The dress code represents southern fashion, with flowy dresses, florals and colourful tailored suits. Elements of Derby fashion include pastel and bright colours, along with florals. Most iconically, the Triple Crown Derbies are known for spectators wearing floral hats.
The fashion traditions at derby events have changed over time, reflecting current trends. Sun, a Derby fan, explains the shift in fashion over time.
“I think like more recently with like social media and stuff, [the fashion] has definitely changed a lot since like say the 1900s but I think right now the fashion is more like modernized,” Sun said. “Sometimes I think we see that like the outfits are a little more basic than like whereas before, where people would like dress up in like gowns and everything, so I think that’s definitely there’s definitely like a shift in like women’s fashion versus men’s fashions…”
The derby hats became a staple at the races. Hats are often adorned with flowers, feathers and veils. Ranging from small to large, there is something for everybody. Derby hats are also commonly custom-made by milliners who are professionals in women’s hats and headwear. A fun fact about the hats is that the bigger the hat, the more luck.
Music also plays a role at the derbies. Before the horses step onto the track at the Kentucky Derby, the crowd sings along to “My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephan Foster. The 1835 song is about an enslaved man being separated from his family.
From formal outfits, hats and music, the Triple Crown Derbies are way more than just horse races. They are showcases of Southern culture and traditions.