Tag: churchill downs

150th running of the Kentucky Derby

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150th running of the Kentucky Derby artwork 2024 by Churchill Downs.

Vivian created a new picture hat for Hattingdon to wear for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. It is made with her traditional, signature red roses. Here she is modeling it for us.

Hattingdon has never looked prettier. We are betting she will be prettiest horse at the Derby! Some interesting Derby facts coming up below.

Susanna fashion hat with trio of Hattingdon's signature red roses and green leaves.

About the Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the longest running sporting event in the U.S. Among the many interesting facts about the Derby are:

  • The trophy which goes to the winner is made of real gold.
  • The red rose is the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. There are 554 roses in the winner’s garland, dating back to 1896. Each rose represents the renewal of life and endurance required to finish first in the demanding 1 ¼ mile race.
  • The rose garland weighs more than 40 pounds.
  • The Derby has an official cocktail—the mint julep.

Thank you for stopping by and see you again soon.

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Updated 1:44 pm EST.

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Vivian’s Fave Hats: Letter J

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We are doing something a little bit different. We are are presenting a special set of hats. The design name is Jenny Rose, created with the Kentucky Derby Festival in mind. Hattingdon was “born” in Louisville by the way.

Let’s start off with the classic hat followed with two gorgeous fashion hats.

Classic Hat

Jenny Rose Classic.

Fashion Hat

We have two for you. A picture hat, and a “slice”.

Jenny Rose Picture Hat.
Jenny Rose Slice.

The Jennie Rose series are some of the most popular hats Vivian has ever created.

Red Roses and the Derby

Red roses became a Kentucky Derby tradition in the early 1880s. Back in 1883, ladies who attended Derby parties around Louisville all received a red rose.

The Churchill Downs President at the time, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, saw what a success the roses were, and decided to make the association between the flower and the Kentucky Derby in 1884.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Hattingdon & Co.

H&Co in Hattingdon brown.

“A Hatful of Smiles”