Almost everybody's wearing a hat at the Kentucky Derby in 1941. Among the men seems to be an even mix of summer straws and winter fur felts. By the way, Whirlaway was that year's winner. Whirlaway also went on to win the Triple Crown.

With regard to hats, the Kentucky Derby might best be known as a day for ladies to show off their fanciest headdresses. However, it is also a great day for men to try on their special summer straw hats to get into the full excitement of the event.

It is all part of a tradition that now dates back to the first running of the derby in 1875!

The first Saturday in May, the derby is the unofficial start of summer in The South. It is a festive time, and anybody who is anybody gets dressed to the nines to attend “the best two minutes in sports.”

Along with the great hats, everybody joins in singing Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home.” They also refresh themselves with fine Kentucky bourbon mixed in mint juleps, which are served in silver cups.

The famed twin spires of Churchill Downs, where the race is run every year, were just about the tallest structures in Louisville, Ky, just before the turn of the last century. Now they are dwarfed by the stadium complex that has been built up around them.

The race, itself, is the first jewel of the Triple Crown. It is followed by the Preakness and the cruelling Belmont Stakes—the longest of the three races.

Whether you are attending the races this year in person or going to a satellite party, it isn’t too late to get your hat! In keeping with the tradtional straw look fellahs, might we recommend a boater, an optimo or a classy panama fedora?

See you in the betting line, as we cash in our winners. 

With regard to hats, the Kentucky Derby might best be known as a day for ladies to show off their fanciest headdresses. However, it is also a great day for men to try on their special summer straw hats to get into the full excitement of the event.

It is all part of a tradition that now dates back to the first running of the derby in 1875!

The first Saturday in May, the derby is the unofficial start of summer in The South. It is a festive time, and anybody who is anybody gets dressed to the nines to attend “the best two minutes in sports.”

Along with the great hats, everybody joins in singing Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home.” They also refresh themselves with fine Kentucky bourbon mixed in mint juleps, which are served in silver cups.

The famed twin spires of Churchill Downs, where the race is run every year, were just about the tallest structures in Louisville, Ky, just before the turn of the last century. Now they are dwarfed by the stadium complex that has been built up around them.

The race, itself, is the first jewel of the Triple Crown. It is followed by the Preakness and the cruelling Belmont Stakes—the longest of the three races.

Whether you are attending the races this year in person or going to a satellite party, it isn’t too late to get your hat! In keeping with the tradtional straw look fellahs, might we recommend a boater, an optimo or a classy panama fedora?

See you in the betting line, as we cash in our winners.