The lilies take center stage on the first Friday in May,
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
and they are appropriate anywhere
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN
But, more traditional headgear was also seen.
Photo: Chad Harmon
A patron of thoroughbred racing enjoys the sun and the racing atmosphere at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. on a day when hats are everywhere the day before the 138th running of The Kentucky Derby May 4, 2012.(Skip Dickstein / Times Union)
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Photo: Chad Harmon
Pink was definitely the color of the day.
Photo: Chad Harmon
with or without a hat.
Photo: Chad Harmon
Staking out a spot.
Photo: Chad Harmon
It helps to start young.
Photo: Chad Harmon
The big races started with an upset in the La Troienne Stakes (gr. II) by 16-1 Juanita.
Everything came to a halt, with a storm approaching.
Photo: Alex Cutadean
As the infield was evacuated.
Photo: Karl Frederick Schmitt III
Photo: Rick Samuels
And people found shelter wherever they could.
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN
But, the bulk of the storm missed Churchill, and the conditions were still fast and firm, as Silver Max sped to the win in the American Turf Stakes (gr. IIT).
Believe You Can ridden by jockey Rosie Napravnick out dueled Broadway's Alibi ridden by John Velasquez to win the 138th running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY May 5, 2012. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union)
Believe You Can (Proud Citizen - El Fasto, by El Prado (IRE)); Jockey: Rosie Napravnik; Trainer: Larry Jones; Owner: Brereton C. Jones; Bred in Kentucky by Brereton C. Jones.