A Day at the Races

Horse racing season is here! Last Saturday was Foxfield, a UVA tradition that I always looked forward to when I was a student there (of course, the running joke at Foxfield is that you can spend the day there and never see a horse, which I have to admit is actually true). This weekend, it's Gold Cup out in The Plains and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.



A few racing highlights from the Brits (who know how the sport the heck out of a crazy hat) and from here across the pond.

The Grand National Horse Race, 1946

Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth with jockey Dick Francis






Princess Grace and Prince Rainier go to Ascot, 1966






Diana and the Queen Mother at Royal Ascot






Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice at Ascot; 






Zara Phillips at Royal Ascot

Modern English country style via Marie Claire

A colorful array of jockeys 

J McLaughlin Edie Silk Print Dress and 3/4 Sleeve Harbor Dress





Kentucky Derby Trophy

The mother of all tailgates! I love that someone had the foresight to bring a stuffed pheasant to really top things off...

Montpelier Hunt Races Tailgate Winner

While Derby Days call for a mint julep, this girl just cannot get on board with bourbon. The julep cups- well, I'll take those!





A Pimm's cup makes a refreshing alternative for a long day outdoors (and you might just be left standing at the end of the day!)

Recipe: Pimms Cup

• Fill a Collins glass with ice.


• Mix 1 part Pimms Cup No. 1 with 2 parts lemonade.


• Stir or shake.


• Top off with club soda, or use lemon-lime soda for a sweeter drink.


• Stir lightly -- but do NOT shake again.


• Garnish with a slice of Kirby cucumber; lemon wedge optional.