Derby weekend has them all. Derby, for me, becomes its own world, and little that goes on outside it penetrates its glow. It’s all about color and pageantry, glamour and grit, bourbon and brilliance.
It packs a ridiculous amount of fun into a whirlwind.
This year our Derby companions are first-timers Laura and her husband, Mark. There’s an added kick of introducing Derby virgins to its unique and myriad charms.
We leave Thursday morning in the downright raw, damp chill this spring can’t seem to throw off. After a short–and thankfully pretty smooth flight–we arrive in chilly, overcast Louisville. But I see a few hopeful breaks of blue in the sky–and best of all our Louisville pals Kathy and Brian. Kathy stands as our fearless leader, Brian our cop–and they’ve become members of our Derby family over the years.
Two seconds with them, and we’re back in the rhythm.
Off we go to lunch, which for me is not only about food and catching up, but smoothing out the edges traveling invariable frays for me. Smoothed out, fed and watered, and we step outside into actual sun! I could do a happy boogie right on the street.
At the hotel, Kathy’s already smoothed the way a bit more by checking in for us. We have to pause and admire the enormous Chocolate Pharaoh in the lobby. Where else will you see a life-size chocolate sculpture of a Triple Crown winner but Derby?
Unpack, hang out, take a walk, have a drink. Then it’s time to polish up for Club Night. Party time with more Derby family. Food and drink, betting tips, music and dancing. If you’re not ready to kick off your shoes and dance, you should’ve stayed home! We’re ready. So we dance and laugh and reconnect with friends we’ve made through this marvelous event.
Then go home and fall into bed.
Friday dawns beautifully. Sunny and warm and pretty. A perfect Oaks Day for the men, a perfect Girl Day for Laura, Kathy and me. Our men look pretty damn dapper, and show some pink for Oaks Day tradition.
But we girls are heading off for our own fun. We start at City Nails for mani/pedis. I love this place, one that’s become part of that Derby family. It’s–like Louisville–warm and welcoming and fun. Plus they have the most amazing pedi chairs. Your eyes could roll back as the chair massages every inch of you while you’re getting your feet rubbed. If I had one of those chairs at home I’d live in it–and in a coma of bliss.
They also have big screens with the Oak’s races on. In bliss I watch the field for an upcoming race, pick out one. And he wins. This could bode well for my betting on Derby Day. I love my pretty toes, admire my classic French manicure. I think how it’ll be too bad to mess it up gardening in a week. Then remind myself that’s reality. This is Derby.
Let’s go have lunch and lots of champagne!
We do just that, have lovely food in a lively place with a charming waiter. Girl talk, and what the hell, we’ll go for dessert. If you can’t indulge at Derby, when and where? Plus, we’re sharing and shared desserts, as everyone knows, don’t count.
Another traditional stop on Girl Day is Rodes for shopping. I never walk out empty-handed or disappointed, and this year is no exception. Scarves! Why can’t I stop buying scarves? And oh, look at that red bag! And that jacket! And . . . well, definitely not empty-handed. Following tradition, I hit the men’s department for BW’s Father Day shoes. They know I’m coming and have a selection in his size. Size 14 isn’t a snap to find! And fun socks to go with my pick–voted on by all three girls.
Being girls we spot a young woman trying on dresses. She’s got a lovely, slim build. We learn she’s buying her Derby dress, and chime right in with opinions. Laura talks her into trying on a cute red hat–as she’s looking for a hat as well. When she talks about just not wearing one, the three of us gasp in shock. LOL. We all voted for a pretty, springy print dress, and I hope she bought it–but she looked a little shell-shocked by the time we left.
Now it’s back to the hotel when Kathy’s wonderful hairdresser Sarah will glam up our hair for the gala. So it’s hair and makeup and pretty dresses, sparkles and shoes. All girls until the men come back to get their manly glam on.
No question they had fun at the Oaks so it’s talk of horses and who they met, what they won, what they lost. And by the time we’re spiffed up, we all look marvelous.
The Unbridled Gala seriously sparkles–and for a most excellent cause. Blessings In A Backpack. There’s little more vital than seeing that children don’t go hungry. I’m so proud to be a part of a night that recognizes the importance of filling that need. And the York Sisters–Tonya and Tammy–know how to throw a party.
BW and I walk the Red Carpet. A question often asked: What’s your Derby pick? This one’s easy for me this year. Before we left home I settled on Exaggerator–I appreciate a good exaggerator. It’s how I make my living. So I’ve chosen him on his name alone. Completely unscientific and silly, but there it is.
The ballroom shines spectacularly. All while and silver and crystal. I can’t imagine how much time, creativity, effort goes into putting all this together–the sheer organizational heft is beyond me.
The silent auction’s yet another integral part of the night, and I’ve already spotted what I MUST have. There are two old iron doors, narrow, runged, a wonderful rusty look to them. They speak to me, and say: Nora, we belong in your garden.
I agree.
A couple other things pop out as we wander, but the doors are IT.
We enjoy dinner, the people watching–so many gorgeous dresses. At one point, Laura and I were outside, and this pretty young couple hopped out of a car. He’s in black tie, she’s in a short, frothy white dress. They’d been looking for a red carpet for a picture.
Laura makes their wish come true, takes some pictures of them on the red carpet. Then she spots another couple. I want that woman’s incredible silver dress. They are simply gorgeous, elegant, perfect, somehow retro with a contemporary edge. Laura asks if they’ll just stand where they are for a minute more, backs to us, so she can take a picture of them. She does it in black and white, adding to that timeless elegance. And they’re so taken with it, he asks if she’ll send it to him.
I check my phone app excessively–I’m not losing those doors!
The entertainment this year is jaw-dropping. Wynonna Judd opens, and rocks the house. I’ll add she looks fabulous. People crowd onto the dance floor to take pictures, videos.
My jaw drops another few inches as Dennis DeYoung (Styx!) takes the stage. Holy crap! He’s incredible, and when he performs Lady, I’m seriously transported. I can’t count the times I’ve listened to that song, sung along with it on the radio. And here I am watching and hearing him perform it in person.
Check the doors, check the doors. I will not be outbid.
But we’re not done yet. I can’t believe it. John Elefante (Kansas!) comes on stage. OMG! Dust In The Wind. This is Elefante singing Dust In The Wind right here, right now. Carry On My Wayward Son? Are you kidding me? This is actually happening.
This is the amazing world of Derby. By the time Robin Thicke comes on, people are crowded onto the dance floor–dancing as well as taking pictures. They’re (including us) dancing at their tables. It’s sound and color and joy, everywhere.
Turns out BW and Mark spent some time with John’s lovely wife Michelle at the Oaks, and they come over to our table. It’s a big thrill to meet them–and learn they’ll be at our table at Derby. As Laura says, Michelle is definitely One Of Us–and would be welcomed into our tribe.
We dance and talk and enjoy until midnight–but tomorrow’s Derby. Time for bed.
A truly fantastic evening. And I got the doors!!!
Derby dawns a little overcast, but they’re promising sun and warm–with some serious storms in the evening, after the race. We get our Derby on–fun hats, comfortable shoes, pretty dresses and handsome suits. I’ve become the Pocket Square expert (You just Google it) for both men.
We four look smashing!
We go early. We like the full day, and arrive during the second race. Another Red Carpet, and I’m sticking with Exaggerator for my main pick. Through the green room–the excitement’s already building. The crowds, the voices, the color, the energy. And Brian’s whisks us up to Millionaire’s Row. I do what I always do–head straight outside.
Because there it is, that rich brown oval, that vivid green infield grass already peopled with color. The pure white, the spires, the red roses, the rush of it all, and the classic tradition under a blue sky. I’d come back, again and again, for that one moment.
We have our favorite server, Amy–more Derby family. And we have time to place bets on the next race. There’s a gray, so following my mother’s advice, I bet on him. And chalk up my first win of the day. It’ll be awhile before I chalk up another.
It’s so much fun to see the outfits, the hats, to see familiar faces, do more catching up. But it’s thrilling to watch the horses, to step outside on the terrace, watch them in the gate, watch them spring out and do what they were born to do. Just run.
We eat, and bet. We drink, and bet. John and Michelle join us, adding to the fun. I’m sticking when grays when I see one–and with the same cute young guy at the betting window. Though I lose several in a row. We have a racing pal who sits with us awhile, tells us who to bet on in this race–won’t make any money, but he’ll win it. Suggests we make a bet I’ve never made before. Betting on this horse overall. That means he wins, and we’ve also put money on the rest of the entire field, so the amount we win depends on who pulls in second.
We do it, and win a dollar. LOL. He was right, on all counts.
I win a little, lose a little, enjoy my time outside in the air, the warm, with those horses thundering by. The stands are full, the infield alive with people.
I meet Diego Klattenhoff of The Blacklist (big fan here), and I HAVE to ask him if Lizzy is really dead. He will neither confirm nor deny, but I have to forgive that. He’s so handsome.
And Mike Mills (R.E.M.!) is back. We connected with him a couple Derbys ago, and it’s so great to see him again. And the delightful Warren Moon, always so warm.
Mark’s in heaven meeting Mark Sanchez.
Lots of photographs, lots of chatter. Our table is just so much fun. The Dust In The Wind genius is sitting at our table, and Laura and I have bonded with his wife. That’s Derby magic.
And the big race is coming up.
We have lots of bets here. Bets for our grandkids, for friends at home. And I have to figure out my own. Exaggerator’s my major bet, but not the only. I think I’ll box a couple–with the favorite Nyquist. And there are grays in the field. I pick one to bet.
I pocket my tickets, and pretty much forget about the bets. Win or lose, I know what’s coming.
Honestly, every time the first strains of My Old Kentucky Home glide into the air, I’m caught by the throat. To be standing there on the terrace, now packed with people, looking out at the crowds, hearing the voices of so many united in song–it’s such a feeling.
Then the cheers, the energy and excitement.
Watching those gorgeous athletes taking their walk on the oval, riders up, silks brilliant. I pick out Exaggerator. He looks so proud. Let’s see what he can do.
So much noise, such universal enthusiasm for this one slice of time as the horses are loaded into the gate. And boy, they’re off. That rising, sustained wall of sound. Cheers, shouts, thundering hooves all blurred together. And the sheer, stunning beauty of it. Dirt flying, long legs pounding, jockeys clinging like brilliant burrs.
I note my horse is falling back. Way back. Oh well.
Just look at them. All of them, every one, vital and strong and fast.
I see, to my astonishment, Exaggerator is moving up, and really moving up. Okay, that’s unexpected. Go! Go! Go! Just wow, look at him. The field is gorgeous, but I’m struck–and would have been without the bet–at how he pours it on, coming from way behind, moving up, up, up.
The crowd, thousands of voices, at a frantic pitch, as they round that curve, come down the stretch. Nyquist captures the Derby, but Exaggerator, picked on a whim, takes second–and to my eye, magnificently. What a show, what a horse–I take nothing from the champion, or any in the field. But number eleven had all the heart in the world to me.
Plus, I bet him across the board!
I cover my day’s bets, and then some with my whimsical pick, and go in for the post-race talk with our Derby family. And to collect my winnings.
We always stay for the last two races. Too much fun, and outside, far too much traffic. The rain’s coming. You can see the storm brewing out there. The light edges toward drama. But we sit, talk, have another drink, and I pick a horse–a long(ish)shot gray–for the next race. What the heck, across the board again.
Wander outside to watch the horses walk to the gate. Oh, my gray is so, so beautiful. I talk with Mike Mills and his so, so beautiful girlfriend. She’s also bet on the gray. We are united.
I’m really just about soaking up the rest of the day by now, watching those gorgeous horses for the last couple times. I don’t know if anyone was more surprised than I was when the gray came in.
Woo!!
Last race, last bet. The place is emptying out, the storm’s closing in. Laura points out there’s an Irish horse in this last field. Race Me Home, at five to one. I always bet the Irish horse, and I like the name. Across the board. Perhaps influenced by my luck toward the end of the day, BW follows my bet. Part of me is sad it’s the last race–the last of a marvelous experience. Part of me is ready to get on regular clothes.
So I soak it in yet again, this last race. And bam! We hit. Up the Irish!
A very nice way to close out Derby Day.
By the time we head to the car, the rain’s started. And the wind. And the lightning. They meant serious storm, and they didn’t lie. But Brian gets us through, gets us home, where we fall on the food we’d pre-ordered from room service, then pretty much fall into bed.
Overcast Sunday morning, and feeling lazy before it’s time to pack. Packing to go home takes a lot less time. Louisville shines for Derby–and as I know from years past when I stopped on book tour here–is welcoming and full of easy hospitality all year. I’m ready to go home, but I’ll look forward to coming back.
The flight home’s short–bumpy toward the end as we come over my mountains–so nothing’s better than stepping onto the ground again. Big hugs goodbye for Laura and Mark, our fun and happy Derby mates.
And home where it’s warm and sunny, my dogs are happy to see us, the gardens are blooming.
Reality is just fine–especially after a weekend of magic.
Nora
As always, it sounds like a fabulous time! Thanks so much for sharing it with us 🙂 And, it makes me so determined to have my own experience at the Derby some day 🙂 …..Styx…they were my first concert back in high school and still hold a special place in my heart. And, I ALWAYS pick a gray to win. Even if it’s a long shot, I’ll place some sort of bet on a gray.
Based on all of this, I think it’s time for another book about the Kentucky Derby!! C’mon… “Race Me Home” is BEGGING to be the title of that yet-to-be-written book!
Thank you for sharing with us. One day I’ll make it there myself. ?
Love reading about your yearly Derby trip! Sounds so much fun! I had Whitmore, as he is a sentimental local favorite, and his trainer is a friend. Alas, he didn’t win, but that doesn’t make the race any less fun!
Sounds like so much fun! Love the pictures but some of the ones of you & Laura in your dresses are sideways (on my iPad). I’ll check them on my computer later. Maybe you can repost when you get a minute. You both look so beautiful. Love The Blacklist! Did you know that Diego Klattenhoff is from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, (where all Americans are invited to move if The Donald wins. No doubt Diego won’t be back if that happens. LOL). Thanks for sharing the excitement of the Derby.
Hey, Nora,
You cracked me up when you asked if Lizzie was really dead….Fabulous!
As ever,
Gaily
Such a fun filled weekend and how terrific is it that Laura & Mark experienced their first Derby with you & BW. Magic all around. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so very much for sharing your wonderful Derby weekend with us! There is no doubt that you all had a terrific time.
I love to come here every Derby year to see your hat. You didn’t disappoint. Love hearing about your trips.
Great how you pick the horses by name. I picked Brody’s Cause and Dancing Candy. Hubby chose Gun Runner. Didn’t place bets though.
Happy you all had a great time. Can’t wait to see the doors in your garden.
A complete World apart 🙂
Nora looked ready to own a Champion.
Friends helped compose a picture of fun, happiness, elegance… any more exaggerated term for mortals fail me 😉 …
Thank you for sharing 🙂
As a native Louisvillian, I’m glad you have a great time. It really is the most exciting 2 minutes in sports! ?
Hey Nora and Laura, Once again you took us to a place we will probably never go. Thank you again for always making our day through your day. Enjoyed your journey and look forward to your next adventure! Thanks again
Loved the pictures and the blog. I am a great big fan of the Blacklist and am thrilled you met Diego. you know Lizzy isn’t dead, Mr. Kaplan is hiding her lol. Thanks for sharing.
My mother once had a dream about a gray…since then she always bets on a gray and so do I. Sounds like a wonderful time. I hope that I can experience it one day. Thank you for sharing your exciting adventure.
Wonderful account, as always, (just like reading one of your books) and congrats on the Derby wins!
You and BW looked marvelous! Your whole wardrobe was gorgeous and loved the hats. Love your Derby stories. So glad you won some and had such a great time.
Oh, and also so glad you got the doors. Will love seeing pictures of them in future pictures.
I’m so glad you loved coming to my home town! Louisville surely does shine during the Derby. Of course we are welcoming and hospitable every day of the year. 🙂
It’s really nice to know that Nora can fangirl as hard as the rest of us. Styx, Kansas? So jealous right now! Kentucky Derby remains on my list of things to do. Born there, have family there, how have I never been to Churchill Downs?!
I look forward to your Derby recap all year. Thank you so much for letting use see it through your eyes.
What about the doors? Can we see a pic…please!
Oh my gosh, you have been to Louisville for a signing? When will you be back????
Love the excitement in your voice. Sounds like a great time. Glad Laura was able to enjoy it with you.
Thanks so much for writing about your Derby trip- loved hearing about it and how it went. Just reading it made me feel as if I was there part of the Derby crowd.
Loved your derby dress along with the hat!! Great colors?
I love your Blog posts – and Race Me Home? Yep That has to have a book… Pleeeese 🙂
I loved your recap- it sounds so exciting. To me, meeting Diego would be a highlight. I was completely thrown for a loop when they killed Lizzy- she is the center of the show. I’m upset at myself for still watching, when I promised myself I wouldn’t. I read a rumor that they are planning a spin-off with Tom and the baby- I am NOT watching that! That would be like watching Roarke move on without Eve- unthinkable.
I read a story about the Derby- a jockey who was thrown off for being addicted- but his trainer brother helped him. He’s clean now, & they both worked on the same horse. They called it- the road back to redemption. I just don’t know which horse it was, or if he won- do you know?
You made me see it, smell it, taste it. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely weekend, you all looked great! Have fun with your doors.
Thrilled you had such an awesome time in our city and The Derby! Thanks again for always sharing your talent for putting the words on paper (or text)! You and Laura were both just beautiful!
Love your Derby post!! I live in Shelby County, Ky. So your Derby experience hits close to home. Nothing like My Old Kentucky Home right before the race. 🙂
Hi Nora,
Wow, I feel like I was right there with you, feeling the anticipation that is Derby.
I have never been but almost once!
My daughter was on a FFA school trip and I was chaperone to 6 girls. We toured several horse farms where the horses are actually pampered and then pampered some more. We went to Church Hill Downs (MS?) and I was in awe of it all. We actually missed the last race of the day by about a half hour.
You were so darn lucky to be able to meet all the people that are just so darn awesome. The hats, the clothes, the food and the company, the excitement. Yes I would say that you had a great deal of Magic Bling this year.
Thank you for sharing your post and adventures with us. We are lucky readers so we win too…. 🙂
I’m celebrating my 71st birthday today and I’ve been watching the Derby since the 50s. I’ve never attended but after reading this blog it is definitely on my “bucket list”! Very entertaining blog! Could Eve and Roarke solve a mystery at Belmont??
Love the annual Derby Post! Thanks for sharing
Such a wonderful and exciting blog post! I find myself living vicariously through you as you were doing something I have always dreamed of doing but probably never will. Thanks for the lively and fun description of your exciting Derby trip!
Curious, did you buy your Derby dress at Rodes/
Curious, did you buy your Derby dress at Rodes?
Nora bought her Derby dress at Saks.
Laura
Being from New Zealand I only get the Derby 2nd hand or on screen but can feel the excitement in this blog. Down here we have somthing similar the Melbourne Cup on the first tuesday of november it stops two countries Australia and New Zealand and is open to all age horses that can go the 3200m (2 miles). As for picking horses greys first (they are easier to see) for me. You should take Eve and co to the derby it would hold sone appeal to a certain irish heart
Love reading this, always. Your blog makes you a real and genuine person to your fans, but ‘hearing’ you go gaga over other famous people is somehow adorable. I guess without realizing it fans just assume famous people know all other famous people or at least are not in awe of famous people anymore. Ridiculous, but still. I smiled out loud reading those parts and could just imagine you tugging on BW’s sleeve. Ha!
Thanks for sharing.