Proper attire for attending a (large) horse race?

[runewolf]

On our drive back from getting my new kilt from USAKilts.com, my wife and I were discussing going back to Keeneland racetrack to watch the running of the Marker's Mark Mile and the Bluegrass Stakes. Both of which are very big event in Lexington, KY and people dress up as much for it as they do the Derby. If we get to go (we've already missed our chance to reserve seats in the Maker's Mark section ) I am planning on being kilted for both days. What are your thoughts on semi-formal/formal daywear when the weather can be anything from 22 degrees F to 90? April in Kentucky can be so weird at times lol.

[McMurdo]

I would say something like these as you can shed and then add layers as needed

[Earl D]

My first thought on reading the topic heading was "Gee-I didn't know that they raced large horses-thought they were more suited to pulling contests".

Since it's in the day time and outdoors I would go with a daywear kit and since April can still be a bit chilly I'd wear a waistcoat for the extra warmth.

McMurdo's kit looks great-it has an air of understated elegance.

[ForresterModern]

Unless daywear is going to be stretched into evening wear I would stick to a lovely tweed Jacket with or without waistcoat (I prefer waistcoats myself) with a white dress shirt and tie that matches your kilt and hose. Semi-formal on the accoutrement---belt, sporran, strap, etc... in either brown or black.

Now if the daywear is going to be stretched into dressy evening event wear then go with an Argyll (+/_ waistcoat) with similar shirt and tie, and semi-formal or formal accoutrement in black.

Either way, since the races are outdoors a hat would be appropriate---preferably a nice balmoral or tam in a matching color..

[runewolf]

You really don't want to know how much I want an Iverness cape like yours McMurdo.

The Mile is run on Friday afternoon. I am not sure if we will go to the Maker's Mark Ambassador party they will have that evening (the last time we were there we were too tired from driving down early that morning). The party sounds fun.. (from their website) " Don’t forget the “secret knock” when you join us for our Prohibition party. Sure, some people liked the repeal of the 21st amendment, but it sure was fun to do your partying on the sly!

If you haven't guessed by now, our Friday night event will have a distinctly 30's-era flavor. Think flappers, dappers, zoot suits and contraband fun. "

My double breasted pinstripe suit needs cleaned very badly and I would hate to have to change out of the kilt lol.
Saturday they have a tour of the distillery, I have been there and enjoyed it immensely, so we will probably just stay at the track to watch the Bluegrass Stakes instead. It's great to see some of the Derby contenders and get some good pictures. Keeneland is a very beautiful track.

[The Barry]

I agree with ForresterModern, go semi-dress. I don't think that any different "rules" apply just because horses are running, no matter what size the horses are.

[runewolf]

LOL, large as in crowd... Think of the Kentucky Derby. For the Bluegrass Stakes, the women folk like to dress up nice and wear big hats just like the Derby. I have even seen guys wearing a tux I'm wanting to be nicely turned out, but not look like an idiot wearing a tux in 80 degree weather lol. Glen, are you wearing a "Crail" jacket? I'm on another person's computer at the office and they need a new monitor in the worst way, I can't tell the details of the jacket.

[Phogfan86]

So semi-dress is okay for mini-horse races, too?

I won't even ask if it's appropriate for Shetland pony races. That's a no-brainer.

Now, who would win a race: Ditka, a mini-horse or runewolf in a kilt? And it's a regular-sized Ditka, not a mini-Ditka.

[McMurdo]

Glen, are you wearing a "Crail" jacket? I'm on another person's computer at the office and they need a new monitor in the worst way, I can't tell the details of the jacket.

It is a Braemar Jacket. with the three buttons on the sleeve like a Prince Charlie.

[ForresterModern]

So semi-dress is okay for mini-horse races, too?

I won't even ask if it's appropriate for Shetland pony races. That's a no-brainer.

I think for the mini horses event I would probably wear a "short sleeved" shirt.

(Ouch, that hurt just typing it.)