It seemed as if the rain intensified the charm of Churchill Downs for the 136th Kentucky Derby. Though the rain spanked the track like Calvin Borel did “Super Saver”; fans of the longest running sporting event fearlessly filled Churchill Downs, totaling 155, 804 (www.marketwatch.com) people who attended the 136th “Run for the Roses”. And, the rain may have stopped the sun from shining but, didn’t douse the dedicated win of Trainer Todd Pletcher who entered a horse 24 times, before winning Kentucky Derby 136 featuring duo Calvin Borel and the #4 horse- “Super Saver”. But really, who gave a damn about the rain…Kentucky Derby 136 was about winning and artisanship!

Winning is the American culture, while artisanship is the very fabric clothing the back of the American spirit. On May 1st, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky, the win of Trainer Todd Pletcher exemplified the American spirit, while the eyes of the world watched as Kentucky Derby goers zealously put on a world fashion show. $162.7 Million dollars flowed through Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day and fashion and friendship was just as rich. When my date told me that her mother was customizing her “Kentucky Derby Hat”…I knew that Kentucky Derby 136 was going to be about style. Tom Brady, Barry Bonds, Terrell Owens, Terrance Williams, Warren Moon and The Real Housewives of New Jersey brought celebrity fashion to the Kentucky Derby but, it was the patrons who produced the stylistic eye-candy for the world to see.
 

My date and I were hesitant about walking fashion’s razor sharp edge but, we did, and made our cut in the Kentucky Derby fashion fabric of 2010. From bowties to rain boots; custom “Derby Hats” to high heels…the 136th Kentucky Derby showcased 2010s spring/ summer style like no other. When you get the chance, go to www.kentuckyderby.com/experience/fashion and get an “eyeful” of the Kentucky Derby’s regal rags and eclectic styles.
 

Though the rain diminished the visions of the “perfect” Kentucky Derby; romanticism was robust at the Churchill Downs race track. Everything about the 136th Kentucky Derby was about contrast: rain and umbrellas but no Rihanna; economic hard-knocks but high bets; doubtful conditions but optimistic commitment. When looking back on the Kentucky Derby of 2010, I can say-Churchill Downs embodied what it means to be human. The 136th Kentucky Derby was about the meshing of rain, regal rags and romanticism.

The 136th Kentucky Derby showed how common human interests can transcend race, gender and socio-economic statuses; and gave great insight to how business is not about what you can make but, what your business can do for the people. Kentucky Derby 136 was love.

From Reggie P. to the Party People
 

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