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TODAY’SW APRIL 2017
THE
DERBY
ISSUE
The best years of my life
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WINEFEST
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TODAY’SW APRIL 2017
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TODAY’SW APRIL 2017
A CLASSY
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TODAY’SW APRIL 2017
A FASCINATING
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Have a DARLING
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TODAY’SW APRIL 2017 / CONTENTS
Your Derby — Your Way p.12
RAISING HER HORSES p.58
YOUR DERBY GUIDE p.16
An Historic Derby p.48 Behind the Scenes p.70
“IT’S JUST WHAT I DO” p.28
DERBY FOOD
p.80
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Exciting Derby Things p.30
A Mint Julep Twist p.60
My Turning Point p.46
STYLE TIPS FOR THE TRACK p.62
HER WORK WARDROBE p.46
Turn Your Home Into a Money Maker p.64
“I WEAR THE JACKET” p.26
Before She Goes p.68
Traditional Derby Food with a Modern Twist p.88 WHAT TO WEAR TO
UNBRIDLED EVE p.68
EXPOSE YOURSELF
Sometimes She Uses Her Warden Voice p.84
What Would They Wear to Derby? p.78
Giving Horses a Second Chance p.62
p.38
Sharp-looking guy is Michael Murrell
FAMILY FESTIVAL p.86
On Our Covers The five covers are graced by the Royal Court of the Kentucky Derby Festival. One of the Princesses will be crowned Derby Festival Queen by a spin-of-the-wheel at the annual Fillies Derby Ball on April 8. MAKEUP: Denise Cardwell, Image Works Studio HAIR: Christina Weixler PHOTOS: Melissa Donald
SIDNEY COBB is a sophomore at the University of Louisville. A pre-law student, she is majoring in political science and history. Sidney is vice chair of engaging issues for the Student Activities Board and also serves as a citizenship instructor at Kentucky Refugee Ministries. SIDNEY IS WEARING: Hat by KY Derby Hats, $120, 415.748.9773; pear shaped London blue topaz set in 14 karat yellow gold mounting, $750; emerald cut London blue topaz earrings set in 18 karat white gold diamond halos, $1,740, available at From the Vault, 3720 Frankfort Avenue, 502.893.0900.
DAPHNE WOOLRIDGE is a freshman at the University of Louisville majoring in secondary education English with a minor in Pan-African studies. Daphne is part of the Minority Teacher Recruitment Project, a peer mentor with UofL’s C.O.N.E.C.T. program, and volunteers at Indian Trail Elementary School. DAPHNE IS WEARING: Hat by Dee’s, $189; tiered amethyst earrings set in
14k rose gold, $1,195, available at Davis Jewelers, 9901 Forest Green Boulevard, 502.212.0420.
NATALIE BROWN is a senior at the University of Louisville majoring in communications. Natalie hosts a student news show at UofL and also volunteers for Heuser Hearing Institute with the Delta Zeta Sorority. NATALIE IS WEARING: Hat by Christine A. Moore Millinery, $624, available at Rodes for Her, 4938 Brownsboro Road 502.753.7633; 14K white gold pear shaped diamond necklace, $4,750, available at Gumer & Co Jewelry.
APRIL 2017 • VOL. 27 / NO. 5
PUBLISHER Cathy S. Zion publisher@todayspublications.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anita Oldham editor@todayspublications.com EDITOR Tiffany White tiffany@todayspublications.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Lucy M. Pritchett Miranda G. Popp miranda@todayspublications.com COPY EDITOR/DESIGNER April H. Allman april@todayspublications.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jessica Alyea jessica@todayspublications.com Kathy Bolger kathyb@todayspublications.com Jennifer Wilham jennifer@todayspublications.com PHOTOGRAPHER/PHOTO EDITOR Melissa Donald melissa@todayspublications.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Amanda Peyton officeadmin@todayspublications.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Susan Allen susan@todayspublications.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Teri Hickerson teri@todayspublications.com Ann Hurst ann@todayspublications.com Joyce Inman joyce@todayspublications.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kaitlyn English kaitlyn@todayspublications.com
TAYLOR YOUNG is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in secondary education. She serves as an event coordinator for the Society of Porter Scholars and also volunteers for Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana. TAYLOR IS WEARING: Hat by Attitudes by Angie, $700, attitudesbyangie.com;
14K yellow gold/sterling silver diamond earrings by VAHAN, $3,125 available at Royal Jewelers, 4505 Shelbyville Rd, Ste, 101, 502.895.9934.
KAILEE BARNES is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky majoring in human health sciences as a pre-med student. Kailee serves on the Pre-Medical Activities Council and volunteers at UK Hospital in Lexington.
CIRCULATION MANAGER W. Earl Zion Today’s Woman is published monthly by: Zion Publications, LLC 9750 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 307 Louisville, KY 40223 Phone: 502.327.8855 todayswomannow.com The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Woman magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2017 by Zion Publications LLC, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC.
ADVERTISE: Call 502.327.8855 or email advertising@todayspublications.com. REPRINTS: Call 502.327.8855 or email reprints@todayspublications.com.
SUBSCRIBE: Send $18 to the above address for 12 monthly issues.
KAILEE IS WEARING: Hat by Rebecca’s Hats, Veil and Accessories, $175,
812.944.7047; sterling silver and diamond green amethyst pendant, $375, available at Gumer & Co Jewelry, 225 S. Hurstbourne Parkway 502.327.3330.
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BBB RATING
Your Derby, Your Way By Anita Oldham
One thing I love about Derby time is that you can customize the experience to be exactly like you want it. Outsiders might think that the Kentucky Derby is just about the horses racing on the first Saturday in May, but we all know differently. It is a celebration of everything that makes Louisville special plus a few extras. You can spend thousands of dollars or almost nothing and still be part of the celebration. Your events
If you take a minute to browse through the Kentucky Derby Festival list of events (kdf.org) you will find an activity that interests you. The range is so extensive and exciting. From competing to eating and drinking (cue the Mint Julep) to watching — you can discover something for you and your friends, your family, yourself.
Your style
Want to buy a $1000 outfit? You can find one. Want to go vintage or make your own hat? It’s definitely possible — and you can find creative people to help. Want to run to the mall at the last minute or plan your outfit months in advance? Either will work and people we interviewed have successfully done it both ways.
Brooke Billingsley photographed by James Moses
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Your track
Let me count the ways. Wear jeans and boots and see the horses on the backside of the track. Don a feathered hat and sit in the grandstands on this famous day in May. Visit Churchill Downs before Derby Day and then throw your own fabulous Derby party. Buy a pricey Millionaires Row ticket or just pay the gate fee at the track and hangout in the paddock area. If you dare, you can even brave the infield. Many we talked to like to attend Thurby (the Thursday before Derby) and party with the locals. There are so many ways to experience the delight of watching Thoroughbreds compete.
Your emphasis
Use this magazine as your Derby guide. Make a plan that works for you and your interests and passions — I am sure you will find something that resonates with you.
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“I WEAR THE JACKET” By Lucy M. Pritchett Photo Patti Hartog
A Naturally Derby Look
Amanda Peyton wearing hat by Forme Millinery Hats, $450, Formeonlineshop.com
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f you happen to be at any one of the Kentucky Derby Festival events this year, look for a small woman with a big smile, bursting with enthusiasm and energy. That will be Lisa Stevenson, the 2017 chair of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Please stop her and say ‘hello.’ When she is not wearing the KDF black jacket with tan horses that identifies her as a member of the executive board, Lisa oversees the Academic Learning Lab at duPont Manual High School, where she has worked for 28 years. The lab is the place where students — they all call her Miss Lisa — can come to enhance learning, get peer tutoring, and take online classes for high school credit. Lisa is also the school’s assistant athletic director and attends home games, sells tickets, works the concession stand, and, as she says, “does whatever needs to be done.” Her duties as KDF chair include showing up at the majority of the 70 events to make opening remarks and pass out rewards and appreciations. Most importantly, she says, “I wear The Jacket.” Lisa has put a little spin on hers and had a special lining made from patterned material in the Festival’s colors of orange, teal, purple, and yellow. “The lining doesn’t really show, but I know it’s there. I think it’s fun.”
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At school or at KDF events you won’t find Lisa without her Garmin activity tracker watch, and she carries extra goodies in her JAM tote featuring gold and silver fleurs-de-lis on a bright pink background. Fitting accessories for this woman and her many activities.
Carrie Ketterman wearing hat by Look at That Hat, $225, 502.724.6294
And, here is one more thing that works for her daily:
Bonnie Bell Dr Pepper Lip Smacker
I have used these Lip Smackers since 1977. I have tubes all over my house. I have gotten friends hooked on it. It’s a good product that costs $2 at Walgreens. It puts a little color on my lips and it is very comforting and soothing to me. If I had to, I would spend $60 on a cab if I found myself out of town without my Lip Smacker. (To impress upon you how important this product is to her, Lisa
was in a panic when she couldn’t find the tube in her purse to show me. Her purse is a whole other world in which she carries a little box of chocolates, her inhaler, lots of little colorful pouches full of more treasures, a screwdriver, and a corkscrew. And that was just the top layer. This woman is prepared!) SEARCH: Lisa Stevenson
Hat by Luminata, $225, luminataco.etsy.com
Sidney Cobb is wearing hat by Olivia and Co., $199, 4903 Brownsboro Rd, Louisville
IT’S JUST WHAT I DO
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By Megan Seckman Photo Trina Whalin
SEARCH: Reta Underwood
ears ago on the North Dakota Chippewa tribe’s reservation, Turtle Mountain, there lived a family of four little girls and a pasture of broken-down thoroughbreds. Each day, the girls would exercise these horses that the rest of the race industry no longer deemed valuable. The girls’ father, Sylvester Alex Poitra, may have quietly wished for boys, but taught each daughter to ride before they could properly walk. And that is how he made a living out of these discarded, maned athletes — and how Reta Underwood was introduced to the world of horse racing. “Dad’s horses were always ready to race. Essentially, they were being double-trained — we’d ride them all day in the back field, then he’d train them. He rarely paid for the horses he rehabbed — most of them he saved from being euthanized — and he made a family business out of it. That’s how I learned about horses,” says Reta Underwood, entrepreneur and Kentucky horse trainer, of her introduction to the horse industry. Reta’s narrative sounds like the making of a best-selling memoir. As a young woman, she had a decision to make: go to school, ride professionally, or work in the field of horse-training like her father. He, ironically, helped steer her away from the life of a trainer and into the path of higher education. Reta became an expert in the field of post-acute nursing assessment and founded a consulting company, Consultants for Long Term Care Inc., that kept the lights on (and horses in the barn). But her passion for horses would not wane. “I had a few horses in training, and I noticed they weren’t performing the way I thought they could. I thought, I can do a better job than this, so I brushed up on my skills from childhood, drove to Ellis Park and stood in line with three men to take the training exam. I was the only one [albeit a middle-aged woman in a male-dominated industry] that passed that day, and I even corrected two wrong answers from the test,” Reta recalls with a laugh.
So many hats online!
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Since passing her horse training exam a decade ago, Reta has won a race at every Kentucky racetrack except Keeneland (where her horse came in second on a turf race). And, akin to her father’s philosophy, she’s never spent over $5,000 on a race horse. Her highest winner thus far was Godolphin Grey, a horse she purchased for $1,500 and has yielded more than $140,000 in stakes earnings. Reta, grandmother and resident of L’Esprit in Oldham County, continues to run her consulting company with her husband in order to finance her horse training enterprise. What separates Reta from many other local trainers is she trains all of her own horses and gives them one-on-one attention. “I own and train for myself; I don’t solicit. All my horses are still with me — I never enter claiming races. I know where every horse I’ve ever touched is, and I know these athletes inside and out: I’m inside their heads, mouths, and hooves every day. I know them better than most people know their own children. It’s just what I do.”
Go to TodaysWomanNow.com to read Derby-related articles — something new every day.
25 THINGS (Why 25? Because we are 25 years old!)
Happenings, news, and tidbits that caught Today’s Woman’s eye this month By Anita Oldham
BIG Hats Want to make a statement? Here are some large hats guaranteed to catch attention and possibly create some space drama. Photos Melissa Donald
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(1) Taylor Young is wearing: Hat by Dee’s Crafts, $499, 502.896.6755. (2) Kailee Barnes is wearing: Hat by Hats Off By Helen, $175, necklace available at Clater Jewelers, $280, 502.426.0077 (3) Taylor Young is wearing: Hat by Attitudes by Angie, $1500, AttitudesbyAngie.com (4) Kailee Barnes is wearing: Hat by Gabriel Amar for Frank Olive, $425 available at Von Maur, 502. 425.7100 (5) Natalie Brown is wearing: Hat by Abbie’s Designer Hats, $145, Abbiesdesignerhats.etsy.com.
6. Gain Some Wisdom
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You can attend the Festival’s annual WineFest on May 2 and 3 on the Waterfront. Get tickets at kdf.org.
Photo Melissa Donald
Featured speaker Monica Hardin, WLKY news anchor
Mark your calendar for 100 Wise Women, a partnership between Leadership Louisville and Today’s Woman magazine, that begins the 2017 sessions on April 18 from 8-10am at The Olmsted. Register at leadershiplouisville. org/100ww.
7. Best Wines?
We attended the 11th annual Kentucky Derby Festival Wine Competition, part of the Festival’s annual Kentucky Proud WineFest event. This year 95 wine varietals from 10 Kentucky wineries participated in the competition.
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Derby Finds
(and Their Best Tips)
Get a little matchy with your date! We spotted these Derbygoers in 2016.
Carrie Cooke Ketterman, p. 14
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Last year at Derby, we headed to Churchill Downs and enjoyed meeting these women who shared their best tips on attending Derby events. Some of them you can find featured in this year’s photo shoots!
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Fashion: Sometimes I start envisioning next year’s look the day after Derby! I shop at a lot of vintage boutiques. My favorites are Elizabeth’s Timeless Attire and The Nitty Gritty.
SIX INSPIRING REAL-LIFE OUTFITS
Tricia Ruckman, p. 52
Ashley Greene, p. 50 Not to Miss: A favorite family event is Dawn at the Downs. We love to rise early and take our boys to the track at sunrise, with coffee and donuts in hand, to watch the Derby horses do their morning workout!
Beauty Prep: A smile is the best accessory, so I use a couple home applications of Opalescence Tooth Whitening System.
Abby Johnson, p. 54
Allyson Moore, p. 49 What to Wear: I use Dee’s and Crush Boutique. Food and the Track: We start with brunch at one of our homes, then head to the track with Panera box lunches.
Beauty Prep: A mani and pedi is a necessity before Thurby. I always get a gel manicure and love a natural shade on my nails. My go-to nail color is Put It In Neutral.
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Friends (l-r) Kimberly Adams, Ashley Greene, Allyson Moore, and Abby Johnson celebrate Thurby together.
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(14) Holly and Brad Blackwell (15) Beth Terry and Eric Watkins (16) Tyler Stewart, Nathan Shanks, and Greg Mayes (17) Tony and Joana Easley (18) Bryn Turner (19) Matt and Katherine Mitchell APRIL 2017 / TODAY’S WOMAN
Photos Melissa Donald & Miranda Popp
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25 THINGS
20. Don’t forget the jewelry Thanks to Royal Jewelers (pictured above), Davis Jewelers (pictured at right), Gumer & Co., Clater Jewelers and From the Vault for providing jewelry for our photo shoots.
HAIR + HAT = PERFECTION You need a plan for your hair if you are wearing a fascinator — and a lot of the headwear is trending toward fascinators of all sizes. Here are some ideas created by our hairstylists.
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(21) Daphne Woolridge is wearing: Hat by Christine A. Moore Millinery, $938, available at Rodes for Her, 502.753.7633. Hair styled by Christina Weixler. (22) Kailee Barnes is wearing: Hat by Headcandi The B. Factori, $284, shopheadcandi.com. Hair styled by Christina Weixler. (23) Carrie Cooke Ketterman’s hair styled by Amber Schnobrich, Strandz Salon & Threadz Boutique.
Photos Melissa Donald
25 THINGS 25. Two Looks, One Hat “With off-the-shoulder dresses, ruffled sleeves, and tailored jumpsuits trending this year, wavy and polished hair is my favorite look,” says hairstylist Christina Weixler, who created these looks on Jordan Mannel, owner of Impromptu Boutique. To achieve this style, start with curling large sections of hair with a curling iron or hot rollers. Spray hair with a brushable hairspray and brush out, keeping the waves and smoothing any frizz. “If you decide to pin up for this Derby, keep it low and polished,” Christina says. Photos: Melissa Donald, Hair: Christina Weixler, Makeup: Denise Cardwell, Image Works Studio. Jordan Mannel is wearing: Fascinator by Headcandi Designs, $238, shopheadcandi.com; Clothing from Impromptu Boutique, an online-only store in Louisville. impromptuboutique.com
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There is also a biking event for the Kentucky Derby Festival — the Tour de Lou on April 30. You can hit the roads two weekends in a row! kdf.org
BEST BODIES: BIKING STYLE Over the past seven years, my friend Sandra Kelly has changed her whole view of herself. And, she keeps finding ways to invite others to join her. “At first I started with walking 30 minutes every day to lower my high blood pressure,” she says. She next added more time, then when that got boring, “My passion is not about myself anymore, but she started running intervals. Her running about encouraging led her to participate in many 5K races and a others to move and mini-marathon, and she joined a team.
enjoy it as much as I do.”
In an effort to cross-train, Sandra started biking with a women’s group. “Anytime I can escape with a long bike ride, I do,” she says. After logging many miles, she finds herself as co-chair of the Dogwood Pedal, a bike ride to be held on April 22 in Orleans, Indiana. The ride offers 10- to 100-mile routes past historic landmarks and Amish scenery. Sign up at dogwoodpedal.com. Photo Melissa Donald
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MY TURNING POINT By Lucy M. Pritchett Photos Patti Hartog
“I might be unloading horses in the pouring rain, but the upsides outweigh anything. I get to travel and I’ve become friends with the families of trainers. Best of all I get to spend time with the horses — they are great animals.”
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atalie Roberts didn't expect to experience a Turning Point when she agreed to make a trip across the border into another country. This was seven years ago, and she was working in an accounting position with a firm in Southern Indiana. An opportunity arose for her to transport race horses to Canada. The trainer of those horses didn’t have a passport and couldn’t travel out of the country, so he offered Natalie what she says was a “substantial amount of money” to transport the horses. “I had been looking for a way to start a small
business and one that I could go into with my parents,” Natalie says. “That was the beginning of Latitude Equestrian. I left my job and continued to work for that trainer for two years.” Now this 35-year-old woman from Oldham County spends most days in her black Ford 350 Super Duty pickup truck, driving horses from farms or training facilities to race tracks and back again. “I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't taken the risk. It's really the best thing I've ever done for myself,” she says.
Her Work Wardrobe
SEARCH: Natalie Roberts
By Keri Foy Photo Sunni Wigginton
For Derby day, Stacey Robinson, vice president and chief of staff for the Kentucky Derby Festival, packs an extra pair of flats for the journey between the Sky Deck and the Paddock. “Celebrities have friends in other areas that I need to get from Point A to Point B,” Stacey says. “I come out of my high heels and put on flats as I’m traveling through the Paddock. I try to come prepared.” Comfort has to play into her outfit choices.
Three favorites and what they have in common Stacey easily picks her top three Derby looks. 1 . A red and black dress with red roses that she originally wore to a Go Red ball. She wore a black hat with red roses to complement the dress. 2. White pants and a printed, off-theshoulder blouse. She wore a pink hat with an orange flower to pull in the color with orange heels and a matching clutch.
3. A blue dress. As an avid University of Louisville fan, Stacey shies away from cobalt blue, but this dress may have changed her mind about her casual ban on blue. She borrowed the dress for a pre-Derby photo shoot, and after she returned the dress to the store, she decided she liked it enough to purchase it for Derby. SEARCH: Stacey Robinson
Stacey describes herself as having a bold personality with an attraction to primary colors. She favors purples, fuchsias, and her all-time favorite hue — red.
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Stepping into History with Derby Style Photos James Moses Illustration Kayla Oldham Location Whiskey Row Lofts and Event Space Makeup Denise Cardwell, Image Works Studio Hair Amber Schnobrich, Strandz Salon and Threadz Boutique
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ix local history with traditional Derby wear to look perfect on the first Saturday in May. These women prepared for the day in a place that existed before the first Kentucky Derby. The building at 131 W. Main Street was the site of the L&N Railroad headquarters. The adjoining building first held a business in the iron trade. Combine that history with the distilleries that operated out of these buildings with the traditions of the 143 years of the Derby to get a true Kentucky experience.
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“I love the tradition because I can still remember cheering on Alysheba when I was 4 years old from my living room floor in Ohio. My family called me Ally and Alysheba was number 4. It was love at first sight! Thirty years later, I still cheer for horse number 4 EVERY year.” — Allyson Moore
ALLYSON IS WEARING: Hat by The Willow Tree, $499; dress, $68; earrings, $24 available at Dress & Dwell, 138 E Spring St, New Albany; shoes, $178, available at Monkee’s of Louisville 3624 Brownsboro Road; bracelet, $16 from Pink Lily Boutique 270.495.3636
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“There is simply nothing like breathing in the crisp, cool spring air and hearing the thud of the horses’ hoofs against the quiet landscape of the morning to complete the Derby experience!” — on why she loves Dawn at the Downs.
This is upstairs at one of the apartments at Whiskey Row Lofts, which have some of the building’s original detail.
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ASHLEY GREENE IS WEARING: Hat by Designs by Tony, $125, 502.389.0250; earrings, $98, dress, $450, coat, $850 available at Clodhoppers.
“I typically wait until the last minute to hunt down the perfect hat and dress. It adds to the excitement of the season!” — Tricia Ruckman
Ceiling heights in the Whiskey Row lofts are up to 16' with many windows at 11' or more. Massive interior double doors reach to over 14'.
Tricia is wearing: Kenzie Kapp hat, $375, kenziekapp.com; dress, $44, bracelet, $18, shoes, $38 available at Pink Lily Boutique 270.495.3636.
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“The day begins with a simple, yet delicious, Kentuckyinspired brunch.” — Abby Johnson
ABBY IS WEARING: Hat by Kenzie Kapp, $350, kenziekapp.com; dress, $68, necklace, $32 available at Dress and Dwell.
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“I love the thrill of all the Derby events, the beautiful fashion, and enjoying it all with family and friends!” — Ashley Greene ASHLEY IS WEARING: Hat by Polly Singer Couture Hats & Veils, $500, hatsandveils.net; earrings, $98, dress, $395 available at Clodhoppers 3725 Lexington Road 502.891.0079; shoes, $160 available at Monkee’s of Louisville.
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A MINT JULEP TWIST
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Story and Photos by Paige Rhodes
ry this twist on the traditional cocktail. Instead of diluting your drink with unnecessary water from the crushed or shaved ice, substitute granita for even more flavor. In this Mint Julep version, you’ll infuse the granita — an Italian semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings — with fresh mint and a splash of crème de menthe. Pour over your desired amount of bourbon to finish for an original take on the official cocktail of The Kentucky Derby.
SEARCH: Mint Julep Twist
Ingredients
51/2 cups water 13/4 cups sugar 5-6 s prigs of mint, plus more for garnish 2 tsp crème de menthe 6-12 ounces of bourbon, depending on how strong you like them Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the water and sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves, about two minutes. Take the pot off the heat and put in the fresh mint. Cover the pot and allow the mixture to steep for at least 30 minutes. Add the crème de menthe, pour the mixture into a large casserole dish, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for two hours. After two hours, remove it from the freezer and scrape the ice using the tongs of a fork until it resembles a slushy texture. Return to the freezer and freeze for at least four hours or overnight. Scrape the ice one last time. Spoon the crushed ice into each cup and top with 1-2 ounces of bourbon. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a dusting of powdered sugar to finish. Serves: 6
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“It is beautiful to see the horses’ progression from when they first arrive to their adoption day.” By Brigid Morrissey Photo Patti Hartog
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n 2015, after purchasing a rescue horse of her own through Heartland Equine Rescue in Southern Indiana to train and nurture back to health, Kris Warning began volunteering with the nonprofit organization. “I photograph at the organization to give my time and services, educate, and bring awareness to people.” Kris points and clicks at equine events like endurance rides and open horse shows. “It’s great to see and hear about the second chance the horses have been given. All breeds from all circumstances can end up in a rescue situation. The commitment of such kind volunteers with big hearts is apparent by the lengths that they’ll go as far as time, money, and care in rehabilitation.” Heartland Equine Rescue welcomes donations and volunteers at heartlandequinerescue.org.
What We Love About Her Style SEARCH: RaeShanda Johnson
By Miranda Popp Photo Miranda Popp
This local entrepreneur and Army veteran is unabashedly frank about where she came from, what she’s doing, and where she’s going. RaeShanda Johnson, founder and CEO of All is Fair in Love and Fashion, has been handing out style advice since she was a young girl. “I’ve always been overdressed and a little extra.”
Style Tips for the Track In your purse, stash a pair of blinged-out flats to complement your outfit (NOT flip-flops), in case your feet hurt (and they will). Take what you need and not what you think you need.
Thurby: Try a jumper. It goes well with wedges or flats and has a relaxed feel.
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Oaks: Girly, girly, girl. It’s all about flowers, pinks, and springtime patterns. Derby: Go big or go home. Leave all your reservations behind. Wear a knee-length or above dress, and let your accessories speak. Most importantly, let the weather dictate your fashion and dress accordingly. Of course, a fascinator or hat should accompany your ensemble to both Oaks and Derby. RaeShanda’s biggest piece of fashion advice, and she giggles as she says it, is to stay away from kitten heels if you are shorter than 5-foot-11 inches and under 40.
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GET YOUR
HOUSE IN ON THE $ ACTION
By Megan Seckman Photo Sunni Wigginton
You can rent houses in the Highlands, Crescent Hill, or Old Louisville for $3,000$10,000.
Lynsey Trager is spending her rental money on Derby.
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erby-girl, meet your next stage: Derby house rentals. A co-worker introduced Lynsey Trager, 31, a ‘media whiz’ with Boxcar PR, to the idea of renting out her house for Derby weekend. “Since I work in PR and am always busy and never even home around Derby, I thought it would be a great way to make some extra money, Lynsey says. “It was very easy. The service gave me a checklist to follow: post pictures, take out valuables, leave a few toiletries, clean out the fridge...but the company handled all the documents. They welcomed the guests and did the walk-though.” For Lynsey’s typical 1,800-square-foot St. Matthews home, she and her husband
made $3,500 for the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights surrounding Derby. Last year, Lynsey and her husband stayed with friends that lived close by, but this year they are going to use their earnings to attend Oaks and possibly Derby. And unless they are some serious gamblers, they will still come out ahead. Several sites offer assistance in renting Derby homes. One site, louisvillederbyhomerental.com, will advertise your home for $250 and claims that homes in the Highlands, Crescent Hill, and Old Louisville go for $3,000-$10,000 for the weekend. The closer the accessibility to the track, bars, and favorite Louisville restaurants, the better. You can also provide concierge services or simply skip town.
A Bright Spot Look for a hat that will draw attention.
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Amber Schnobrich is wearing hat (left) by Glitz by Gin, $300, 502.244.1018 and a hat by Abbie’s Designer Hats $135, Abbiesdesigns.etsy.com
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TWO WAYS TO GET
GUESTS DERBY READY
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he Brown Hotel knows a thing or two about making guests feel comfortable and welcome. Because many of us open our homes to guests during Derby season, we asked two hospitality professionals from the Brown to give us insider tips on how to make our guests’ stay comfortable and welcoming.
1. Use racing programs, magazines, and movies to help tell the Derby story “The more people know about the traditions of the weekend, the more comfortable they will be,” says Pat Sloman, Brown Hotel concierge. If this is your guests’ first time to the Derby, shorten their learning curve. Enlist the help of Hollywood. Have DVDs of Secretariat and Seabiscuit to watch during downtime or at night.
2. Craft simple cocktails (hint: impress your guests with garnish)
Making cocktails for your large group? Over prepare. “Get lots of ice — if you think one bag is enough, get three,” says Troy Ritchie, English Grill general manager. If fancy is what you’re going for, make ice balls three days in advance. Take them out of the molds and make more. Store them in small sheet trays so they don’t stick together. For an even fancier impact, add herbs (especially mint) or citrus to your ice for some visual impact. For drinks, classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Negroni or Hemingway Daiquiri, are simple. “There isn’t a hidden art to cocktail measurements,” Troy says. “For example, a Manhattan is two-to-one ratio of bourbon to vermouth with bitters. Count out how many ounces you need, check your math, and then make a batch for four to eight drinks at a time.” You can also get your glasses ready, chilled, and garnished on serving trays so they’re ready to fill. “The biggest way to make an impression is with a fantastic garnish,” Troy Ritchie says. “Think about how you can use glassware and fruit and herbs to make a beautiful presentation. Buy the best fruit. Use a potato peeler to get bigger lemon, lime, or orange zest. Get the good cherries such as Morrello, Girottines, or your own soaked in brandy.”
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By Keri Foy Photos Melissa Donald “I highly recommend guests watch these movies to get familiar with the passion we have for these beautiful Thoroughbreds,” Pat Sloman says. As your guests leave, you can give the movies to them as parting gifts.
Handy guidelines: 750 mL is roughly 24 oz., 1 L is roughly 33 oz., one medium-sized lime is about 2 tablespoons of juice.
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BEFORE SHE GOES TO THE DERBY By Brittani Dick Photo Sunni Wigginton
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oie Wilson and her husband, Ben, relocated to Louisville in the summer of 2015. A few months later, she found herself in the position of events manager for the Kentucky Derby Museum, where her responsibilities are to book and manage special events — everything from weddings and corporate events, to parties and the Kentucky Derby Museum Gala.
Favorite beauty product she loves for Derby:
SEARCH: Zoie Wilson
“I always make time for an airbrush spray tan before all of the festivities begin,” she says. Zoie credits Pure Tan Studio, located on Frankfort Avenue, for her glowing, Derbyready skin.
What to Wear to Unbridled Eve: Unbridled Eve Derby Gala happens on May 5 at the Galt House and benefits Blessings in a Backpack (unbridledeve.org). Jumper available at Chartreuse Boutique, 1301 Herr Ln, Westport Village, 502.409.7082, $97; Handbag available at Saks Off Fifth Outlet Shops of the Bluegrass, 1155 Buck Creek Road, Simpsonville, 502.722.3799,
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$159; Earrings available at Chartreuse Boutique, 1301 Herr Ln, Westport Village, 502.409.7082, $19; Shoes available at Nordstrom Rack, 4600 Shelbyville Rd, 502.899.4940, $69.
Her favorite fashion for Derby:
Zoie tags Cynthia Rowley as her favorite designer for Derby attire. She loves options with pockets to store all of those little essentials like her cell phone and favorite lip gloss. For her first Derby as a Louisville local last year, she donned a floral dress (with pockets, of course) in navy, orange, and white. To top off the look, she selected a navy fascinator from the Museum gift shop. “It was the perfect complement to my dress,” she says. Zoie also offers a valuable insider’s tip — the Museum gift shop has a great array of hats and fascinators at a great price-point. “It’s the best kept secret for hats in Louisville!” she admits.
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SURVIVAL SKILLS
FILLIES PRESIDENT SOMETIMES USES HER “WARDEN VOICE”
By Megan S. Willman Photo Trina Whalin
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ith more than 100 women at The Fillies’ meetings, I asked Fillies President Kathy Bingham if she found it difficult to step in as its leader. “When I agree to do something, I give it all I have. I love to talk to people and am willing to explore all sides of an issue. Sometimes, though, I do have to put on my warden voice,” says Kathy with a laugh. Kathy worked her first shift as a Kentucky Derby Festival volunteer in 1988 and hasn’t stopped since. As is the case when one shows dedication to a cause, Kathy was asked to do more. The Fillies, Inc. wanted her to take a leadership position earlier, but Kathy didn’t feel she could manage more responsibility until her retirement as deputy warden from Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange, Kentucky.
SEARCH: Kathy Bingham
So many parties — so many good causes! The Fillies host the Fillies Derby Ball on April 8 (kdf.org). Here are a couple of other choices for Derby Eve: • The Silks in the Bluegrass to benefit Operation Open Arms which provides care for children of incarcerated mothers (oparms.org). • The Derby Eve Gala Fiesta to benefit the American Lung Association (derbyevegala.org).
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1. Keep meetings short and on target. “You start to lose people after an hour; if you get to 90 minutes, they’re no longer with you.” 2. Surround yourself with good people. “Any leader is only as good as the people around her. Committees are critical to our success.” 3. Celebrate diversity. “We don’t all do things the same way. Variety brings success.” 4. Be decisive. “A leader can’t be wishywashy. Sometimes we get caught up in debate and need a decision. I can do that.” 5. Recognize your role. “Next year I will be the immediate past president on the board. I want to be a good resource for the new president but also remember I’m not in charge.” 6. Get sleep. “When I worked at the jail, I was never off-duty, and we had some very long days. Sleep is important to me, and I don’t deprive myself of it.” 7. Believe in second chances. “I used to tell my corrections staff, ‘If you hate people, you can’t work here.’ I am a people-person who cares for others. I try to live out my values.”
The Fillies organization puts on several events including the official Derby Festival Program, the Princess Program, the Fillies Derby Ball, the Children’s Tea, and the Royal Court Float at the Pegasus Parade. To learn more about the Fillies, go to https://acwfillies.wildapricot.org/
What to Wear to a Gala
Dress available at Apricot Lane Boutique, Westport Village, $120; Shoes available at Nordstrom Rack, 4600 Shelbyville Rd, 502.899.4940, $69. Handbag available at Saks Off Fifth Outlet Shops of the Bluegrass, 1155 Buck Creek Road, Simpsonville, 502.722.3799, $159; Earrings available at stelladot.com, $59.
Here are Kathy’s strategies for success:
By Alissa Hicks Photo Melissa Donald
A FAMILY FESTIVAL
Photo Melissa Donald Styling Miranda Popp Makeup Denise Cardwell, Image Works Studio
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hese mother and daughter duos have turned volunteerism for the Kentucky Derby Festival into a cherished family tradition. Donna Salas, a vice president at Citibank, started getting her daughter involved when Lorri was a freshman in high school — about 20 years ago. Donna started three years before that as a Pegasus Parade host. “Our joke is that Mom ‘VolunTOLD’ me I was going to be helping her with the Pegasus Parade,” says Lorri Roberts. Donna starts the Derby Festival season with the Thunder Over Louisville bridge crew: “For this I am basically working on the Second Street Bridge all day providing transportation
to anyone needing to get from the Louisville side to the Indiana side.” At BalloonFest she helps coordinate food for the pilots and crews, and she works with the Pegasus Parade as the production chair. Lorri joins her as the associate production chair. “We oversee all of the units you see on Parade Day” says Lorri whose job is event and volunteer coordinator at Brightside, Inc. LORRI ROBERTS IS WEARING: Fascinator by Rebecca’s Hats, Veils, Accessories, $175, 812.944.7047; dress $44 available at Pink Lily Boutique, pinklily.com; earrings, $30 available at Magnolia & Fig, 12621 Shelbyville Rd, 502.253.4567; bracelet, $35, and clutch, $45 available at Apricot Lane, 1301 Herr Lane, Ste 170, 502.708.2822. DONNA SALAS IS WEARING: Hat by The Polkadotted Pineapple Boutique, $100, 502.291.3174; dress $99, necklace, $25, bracelet, $15 available at Apricot Lane 1301 Herr Lane, Ste 170, 502.708.2822.
Running Data
Donna Salas (left) and her daughter Lorri Roberts.
Kay Russell started working with the Kentucky Derby Festival 26 years ago, and took her baby girl with her. “I’m what they call a ‘Festival Baby,’” says Kellen Russell, who is graduating from University of Kentucky this spring. Kay, who was named the 2016 Kentucky Derby Festival Volunteer of the Year, has managed many data-heavy parts for the large festival events. “I spend most of my time working with the data that supports the Marathon/Mini-marathon,” says Kay, who is Information Technology manager at Humana for her day job. “I review all of the registration information, assign starting corrals, manage runner
Kellen (left) and Kay Russell.
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services at the two-day Runner’s Expo, provide the operations services at the finish line, and work with the electronic timing company at the finish line.” For the Pegasus Parade, she developed the awards judging system. “I tabulate all of the data used to present awards to float, bands, equestrian, inflatable and specialty units. KAY RUSSELL IS WEARING: Hat by Dee’s, $279, 5045 Shelbyville Road, 502.896.6755; dress, $149 available at Talbot’s 194 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, 502.423.9445; necklace, $42, bracelet, $18 available by Magnolia & Fig 12621 Shelbyville Road, 502.253.4567. KELLEN RUSSELL IS WEARING: Hat by Christine A. Moore Millinery, $730 available at Rodes For Her 4938 Brownsboro Road 502.753.7633; dress, $46, belt, $16, earrings, $16, bracelets $16/ea. available at Magnolia & Fig, 12621 Shelbyville Road 502.253.4567.
“I was ‘adopted’ by JuJu the Clown when I was 2. She dressed me in clown costume and clown face and for the next eight years I was the ‘baby clown’ that walked with her around the Parade Preview.” — Kellen Russell
You can volunteer yourself. Most events close out opportunities a couple of weeks before the event so choose something that fits your interests.
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Traditional Food — Modern Take Set your Derby Party guests up with a Do-It-Yourself Hot Brown Buffet. Find sources and other tips at TodaysWomanNow.com Photo Melissa Donald
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