Birdelli just could not resist all the glam the fashions, and of course the hats! Some folks just know how to have fun! She has had a grand time watching the horses, looking at all the other hats, and being part of an amazing tradition. She particularly loves that it is true Beauties Beasties all around, everywhere she looks. Beautiful Humans & Animals all together.
“The Founding of Churchill Downs
While traveling in England and France in 1872-1873, 26-year-old Col. M. Lewis Clark, devised the idea of a Louisville Jockey Club for conducting race meets. Clark toured and visited with a number of prominent racing leaders, including England’s Admiral Rous and France’s Vicompte Darn, vice president of the French Jockey Club.
Upon his return from Europe, Clark began development of his racetrack which would serve to showcase the Kentucky breeding industry. The track would eventually become known as “Churchill Downs.” The first reference of the name Churchill Downs came in an 1883 Kentucky Derby article reported by the former Louisville Commercial.
“The crowd in the grand stand sent out a volume of voice, and the crowd in the field took it up and carried it from boundary to boundary of Churchill Downs.”
The track was incorporated as Churchill Downs in 1937.” http://www.kentuckyderby.com/history/period/1874-1899
Traditionally Speaking…
Over its 136-year history, the Kentucky Derby has amassed dozens of traditions that Churchill Downs’ employees, horsemen and millions of Derby fans worldwide hold dear.
From the iconic Twin Spires that overlook the track’s famous homestretch to the potent mint juleps that infuse Derby Day with “spirit,” traditions are an important part of the Derby experience.
Every year, the Kentucky Derby Nation of fans looks forward to observing these storied rituals leading up to the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” http://www.kentuckyderby.com/experience/traditions