The 148th Kentucky Derby was held on Saturday, and it was a sight to see. It’s a wonderfully jovial event filled with food, fashion, festivities, and fun. But it was also an event during which, for just one day, in Louisville, Kentucky, America was happy again. There wasn’t any talk about pandemics or political divisiveness that has plagued the country in recent years.
There weren’t any men competing as women or woke athlete protests promoting misguided social justice messaging. Just 180,000 people gathered to watch one of the greatest upsets in horse racing history.
The race was phenomenal and ended in dramatic fashion. The victorious horse, Rich Strike, was the ultimate underdog winner. With betting odds as high as 99-1 shortly before the doors of Churchill Downs opened to the public (and ultimately closing at 80-1), the stallion exploded out of nowhere during the final stretch run to emerge victorious. It was a race for the record books.
While the Derby is the most famous, there were 13 total races at the track on Saturday. And as exciting as the races were, interacting with the people there was arguably just as entertaining. It is an event of extravagance, and there is notably a hierarchy of wealth among the attendees, but whether one was an employee at the venue, purchased a ticket through general admission, or seated in the boxes at Millionaire’s Row, everyone seemed so warm, friendly, and genuinely happy. The atmosphere itself is something everyone should try to experience at least once in their lives.
Numerous celebrities were in attendance. Singers Jason Aldean and his wife, legendary rocker Richie Sambora, and chef Bobbie Flay were among the many who walked down the red carpet before the main event. Former President Donald Trump was also at the event and received loud cheers from the crowd as he was seated.
And then, as is the custom at the Derby, there were the hats. Lots of hats. Tons of big, extravagant, eye-catching hats worn by the women in attendance. While both men and women were largely dressed to the nines, the females’ hats stole the show.
It was the first time the race was held at full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic began. People of all races and ethnicities were in the crowd. They came from all around the country to attend. Smiles and laughter were abundant, and the joyful environment did not disappoint. And, even if ever so briefly, for a few hours during a Saturday in June, tens of thousands of attendees at the Kentucky Derby showed how America could be happy again.
