During Derby week there is SOOOO much to do. I doubt that anyone could do it all. We kicked it off with the Balloon Race (read about that here). We spent some time at the Galt Hotel– they were all decked out for the Derby. From the display of hand prints of winning jockeys:

To the winning horse done in sugar. It literally smells like sugar in the lobby because of this horse.

And I even got a red rose from a bellhop. Someone in the bathroom asked me if I had “accepted the rose.” For those of you that watch the Bachelor you will understand the comment.

We attended Beerfest and spent time at the festival eating fair food and listening to live music.

AND then there was Dawn at the Downs. What is that? It is an event where you enjoy breakfast at dawn. Eggs, bacon, potatoes, biscuits, fruit by the window with a view.

Then you are treated to watching the Derby horses (and Oaks horses) work out at dawn. You walk out to the balcony and the thrill as they come onto the track is exhilarating. It is beautiful, quiet, elegant and an event that we must do every year now.

Some of the horses shared some affection with the kids.

It was a morning I will not soon forget and one that I want to repeat next year.

Next… my betting attempts on Thursday at the Downs. Did I win? Did I lose?

Happy Unleashing!

FGU