Rose Fascinator | Similar: Tony SML Bag | Similar Red Dress | Black Sandals
LIFE IS THE FAST TRACK: Tale of Horses, Glamour, and Lifelong Dreams
What do fashion, betting slips, and horse racing have in common? For Joe and I, A LOT! This year’s Breeders’ Cup in San Diego was the perfect cocktail of high stakes, fabulous fashion, and unforgettable memories. Sure, we’ve had our share of winnings and losing——but what’s horse racing without a little dash of risk and a lot of fun!
Similar Black Fascinator | Black Top | Similar Collared Shirt
This Years Experience at the Breeders’ Cup
Each horse racing season ends with just one finish line: the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. It’s the two-day, 14-race, year-end culmination that every owner, trainer, and jockey across the globe has in their sights. Where the world’s greatest come together to crown champions, and spectators celebrate as history unfolds before their eyes.
DAY ONE FASHION AND INSIGHTS: With any big horse race, they are always two day events. Typically, day one leans towards a more casual attire. The are five juvenile races.
DAY TWO: On Saturday there are nine championship races, including the weekend’s big race, the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. I went big customizing my fascinator.
Racing Blood in the Family Veins (Well, Sort Of)
Blame it on my Kentucky-bred husband, Joe. Growing up in a small Kentucky town, he dreamed of racehorses the way other dudes dream of Ferraris. As for me, a Houston suburban girl? I was busy with everything but horse racing—until Joe roped me in, and we started this wild ride together. Eight years ago, we bought our first thoroughbred. Since then, we’ve owned four, and—get this—every single one has tasted victory. Not to brag, but that’s pretty rare in the horse racing world. Some people own horses their whole lives without a single win. And let me tell you, Joe LOVES TO WIN!
Similar Hat | Similar White Dress | Black Clutch
Family Affair on Four Hooves
Owning racehorses became our family thing. The three kids and I take turns naming the new one, as we typically own two at a time. Naming each new thoroughbred makes it more personal and fun for all of us. My stepson Wilson named his horse Say It Ain’t Sony, who has two wins to his name. My daughter Kelley christened Kell’s Bells, who clinched three victories. My stepdaughter Emma delightfully named Catch Me If You Can snagging one win, while Bemma’s Boy crushed it with five. As for my horse, a tribute to my late grandparents—Papa and Mama who nicknamed me Amos—he’s crossed the finish line first three times.
Similar Hat | Similar 2 Piece Set | Similar White Shoes | Similar Collared Shirt
For Joe, the best part isn’t the wins (though they’re nice). It’s the journey, traveling to tracks like Churchill Downs, Del Mar, and Oaklawn with family and friends. If you ask about his dream? Winning the Kentucky Derby, of course. As for me, I’ll never forget seeing the faces of my daughter and her husband when they hit on a massive Derby upset. They won $600 but celebrated like they’d struck gold! And when my stepson and his friends bet big and won big after seeing his horse come in first.
It’s Not About the Money (Well, Mostly)
Spoiler alert: Owning racehorses is more about heart than wallet. Sure, we’ve had winnings, but they rarely cover the training, travel, and logistics of this lifestyle. But the thrill? Oh, that’s priceless. We’ve had the pleasure of attending The Royal Ascot in Great Britain twice, The Kentucky Derby, and the Breeders Cup twice. Maybe one day, we’ll hit it big at the Kentucky Derby. But until then, it’s about the ride—literally and figuratively.
Similar White Fascinator | Similar White Blazer | Similar White Dress | Similar Black Top | Similar Pink Skirt | Floral Dress | Similar Floral Dress | Similar Purple/Pink Fascinator
And let’s not forget the fashion. Horse racing events are like walking into a couture wonderland. For this Breeders’ Cup, I brought back my stunning Christian Siriano dress (made for my 50th birthday) and strutted my stuff on not one but two days. Joe? He went full snazzy with a sharp suit, pocket square, and tuxedo shoes. Dapper isn’t a strong enough word.
Similar Pink Fascinator | Similar Pink Dress | Black Heels | Rose Fascinator | Similar Red Dress | Black Sandals
The Fascinator Fascination
Personally, I don’t like wide-brimmed hats; they’re impractical as they blow off in the wind and block everyone’s view, including mine when I’m yelling for a victory. Fascinators? Now we’re talking. I’ve worked with Christine Moore twice, the only hat maker with her own stand at the Derby and Breeders’ Cup, to create custom pieces to match my looks—once for the Kentucky Derby and again this year’s Breeders’ Cup. From luxury shops to Amazon finds, I’ve tried it all. My favorite dress designer for the races is hands down Chiara Boni, whose dresses slim and stun while turning heads with her beautiful details.
Similar Black Fascinator | Similar Red Dress | Chevron Tote | Similar Purple/Pink Fascinator | Similar Black Coat | Similar White Fascinator | Similar White Blazer | Similar White Dress | Black Dress | Similar Black Dress | Similar Gucci Bag | Similar Black/Mesh Fascinator | Similar Floral Blouse
Unexpected Fashion Show
This year, I stumbled into a Breeders’ Cup fashion contest. Even though I joined late, I made the top 10, and that’s apparently a big deal in the world of horse fashion. After being chosen, I was educated by two veterans who not only enter every year but also style their clients to win. I’ll never forget when one of the ladies looked at me and said, “Oh darling, this will be all over Europe.” I didn’t crack the top three, but it was still an absolute blast. And no worries, I will be entering again, as there is nothing like challenging an ex-D1 athlete!
Rose Fascinator | Similar Red Floral Dress | Black Sandals | Similar Black Fascinator | Similar Red Dress | Similar Pink Fascinator | Similar Pink Dress | Black Heels
The Heart of It All
At the end of the day, horse racing isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about memories made at every race, the laughter of family as bets soar (or crash), and the sparkle in Joe’s eyes as he tracks every training stat and race. That’s what keeps us coming back, year after year. As we continue to chase Derby glory and cherish each win, I’m grateful for every step of this exhilarating journey.
What about you? Have you ever dreamed of attending a big race? Do you have a history with horses? What’s your favorite fashionable events? Share your thoughts below and send me an email!
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” — 1 Corinthians 9:24
To God be the glory!
Amy
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